QUESTION: Are potable water tanks required to have protection such as a screen on the vents for safety or to prevent bugs from getting in?
RESPONSE: Yes. Vent screens are one of the measures that might be used to prevent contamination of potable water.
46 CFR 140.510(b) – As far as practicable, the owner or managing operator must implement other types of safety control measures before relying on Personal Protective Equipment. These controls may include administrative, engineering, source modification, substitution, process change or controls, isolation, ventilation, or other controls.
Further, the regulations also state:
21 CFR 1250.82(c) – Each potable water tank shall be provided with a means of drainage and, if it is equipped with a manhole, overflow, vent, or a device for measuring depth of water, provision shall be made to prevent entrance into the tank of any contaminating substance. No deck or sanitary drain or pipe carrying any nonpotable water or liquid shall be permitted to pass through the tank.
QUESTION: What do I do if my vessel is involved in a marine casualty?
RESPONSE:
Refer to 46 CFR 4.05-1 to determine if the incident is considered a Reportable Marine Casualty. If it is a Reportable Marine Casualty then you must comply with all reporting requirements as noted in the CFR and incorporated by reference in 46 CFR 140.900 which begins with notification to the local OCMI.
Once the Coast Guard has been notified according to 46 CFR 4.05-1 you may receive a CG-835V. If the 835V is issued with an action code of “A” please follow these steps to properly report the incident TVIB:
- Call the TVIB 24-hour Response Line 888-983-TVIB (8842) and be prepared to indicate whether the issue is:
- URGENT: immediate assistance is needed, regardless of the time of day; or
- NON-URGENT: a response from the on-call staff person within 24 hours is acceptable.
- Email the 835V to TVIB. Click here to submit the 835V via email.
The OCMI retains the sole authority to close out a CG-835V.
Incidents that are not considered a Reportable Marine Casualty according to 46 CFR 4.05-1 may be reviewed by the auditor during the course of the next management audit.
For a more detailed description of the notification requirements for this and other issues please log in to the TVIB Member Portal and download the TVIB Subchapter M Notifications document. If you have any questions about this process you may call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email and a staff member will get back to you.
You will need login credentials to gain access to the TVIB Member Portal. If you do not have login credentials o click here to send an email to request them.
