TVIB News U.S. Coast Guard

CG D8 – Policy Letter Regarding Towing Vessel Sidelight Placement

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CG D8(dp) Policy Letter 02-2022 establishes that towing vessel sidelights located on outer edge of pilothouse or superstructure are considered compliant.  Lighting requirements under the International Navigation Rules state that power-driven vessels of 20m or more shall have side lights place “at or near the side of the vessel”.  The Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Manual interprets “at or near the side of the vessel” to mean not more than 10% of the breadth of the vessel inboard from the side, up to a maximum of 2 meters.

This policy along with D8 communication clarifies that a Certificate of Alternative Compliance (COAC) is not required when a towing vessels’ sidelights are located on the outer edge of the pilothouse or superstructure.

For full details, see the policy letter here.

Release of: MSIB 04-22 Suspension of TSMS Option User Fees

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The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 04-22 announcing the Suspension of USCG Inspection Fees for TSMS Option – Subchapter M Towing Vessel.

The information bulletin can be viewed by clicking the link below.

MSIB 04-22 Suspension of TSMS User Fee

SUB M ALERT: CG Update PL 20-01 (CH 1) Subchapter M Enforcement Posture

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Published 04/11/2022

CVC-1 has revised Policy Letter 20-01 (CH 1) Subchapter M Enforcement Posture for Certificate of Inspection Phase-In Requirement – The policy letter has been revised to indicate that vessels without COIs will be issued a CG-835v with a code of 60 which will prevent the vessel from moving after July 19, 2022. Additionally, they have added provisions for civil penalties for each day the violation occurs.  This will be noted outwardly on the public-facing side of PSIX.

Click here to download the policy letter.