Q: What is a Third Party Organization (TPO)?
A: A Third Party Organization (TPO) is an independent entity authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct certain inspection, audit, and compliance functions on behalf of vessel owners and operators. Under 46 CFR Subchapter M, which governs the safety of towing vessels, a TPO may be engaged by a company to:
· Perform management system audits of a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) under 46 CFR 138.315.
· Conduct vessel surveys to verify compliance with applicable Subchapter M requirements.
· Provide objective reports and recommendations to the Coast Guard regarding compliance.
Working with a TPO allows operators to choose the TSMS option for compliance rather than relying solely on Coast Guard inspections (the Coast Guard option). TPOs provide flexibility, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to maintaining safe and compliant vessel operations.
QUESTION: What are the minimum requirements to become a surveyor?
RESPONSE:
46 CFR 139.130(c) Surveyors must meet the following qualifications:
- (1) High school diploma or equivalent.
- (2) At least one of the following:
- (i) Four years of experience working on towing vessels as master, mate (pilot), or engineer; or
- (ii) Other relevant marine experience such as Coast Guard marine inspector, military personnel with relevant maritime experience, marine surveyor, accredited marine surveyor, experience on vessels of similar operating and physical characteristics.
TVIB has two surveyor endorsements: (1) Annual Surveyor of Towing Vessels and (2) Drydock/Internal Structural Examinations. Additionally, we have a program to become an internal surveyor, for employees of our TPO Customers.
TVIBs requirements and the full process to become a TVIB-Certified Surveyor are documented in the Auditor/Surveyor Membership Application. If you have any questions, please call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email.
QUESTION: What are the minimum requirements to become an external auditor?
RESPONSE:
46 CFR 139.130(b) Auditors must meet the following qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Four years of working on towing vessels or other relevant marine experience such as Coast Guard marine inspector, licensed mariner, military personnel with relevant maritime experience, or marine surveyor.
- Successful completion of an ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 or ISO 9001:2008(E) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) lead auditor/assessor course or Coast Guard recognized equivalent.
- Successful completion of a training course for the auditing of a TSMS.
- Audit experience, as demonstrated by:
- Documented experience in auditing the ISM Code or the American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program, consisting of at least two management audits and six vessel audits within the past 5 years; or
- Successful completion of an auditor apprenticeship, consisting of at least one management audit and three vessel audits under the direction of a lead auditor.
TVIBs requirements and the full process to become a TVIB-Certified Auditor are documented in the Auditor/Surveyor Membership Application. If you have any questions, please call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email.
