TVIB News FAQ Category: TVIB Policy

Random Vessel Audits

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QUESTION: Does TVIBs External Vessel Audit Program satisfy the requirement for all vessels to be randomly audited during the 5-year period of validity of the TSMS certificate?

RESPONSE:

Yes.  TVIB published the External Vessel Audits policy to meet the elements laid out in CG-CVC Policy Letter 18-01 CH.2 which clarifies the requirement for random vessel audits as noted in 46 CFR 138.315(b)(3). TVIB staff worked with the Audit Committed to develop the External Vessel Audits policy that takes into consideration the logistical issues related to scheduling random external vessel audits across a company’s entire fleet during the 5-year period of validity of the TSMS certificate.

Click here to access the TVIB Member Portal where you can log in and download the External Vessel Audits policy. Once you log in click on the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner and select Policies and Member Communications to locate the policy.

You will need login credentials to gain access to the TVIB Member Portal. If you do not have login credentials please click here to send an email to request them.

Add or Remove Vessel from TVA

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QUESTION: How do I add or remove a vessel from my fleet?

RESPONSE:

On 10/20/22, TVIB retired the PDF version of the TSMS Vessel Addendum Add/Remove form and replaced it with a web-based form.

  • The TSMS Vessel Addendum Add/Remove form must be submitted electronically through the TVIB Member Portal, click here to access the form.
    • You will need login credentials to gain access to the TVIB Member Portal. If you do not have login credentials please click here to send an email to request them.
  • Once the form is submitted, the TVIB Operations team will receive a notification and an Operations Coordinator will process the request.
  • The revised TSMS Vessel Addendum (TVA)will be forwarded to the individual listed as the Primary Contact for the organization as well as the Coast Guard’s Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE).

If you have any questions or need assistance with completing the process call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email to the Operations Team. Below is a video to walk you through the process of logging into the TVIB Member Portal and submitting the form.

 

 

Items Corrected During an Audit/Survey and the Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

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QUESTION:
For an item that was corrected during the audit/survey and marked as such on the report, is a response required by the operator on the CAP?

RESPONSE:
The answer is no, provided that the following elements are satisfactory:

  • The finding statement clearly articulates how the item was corrected; and
  • The finding is NOT one of the following:
    • Major Non-conformity*
    • Unsafe Condition*
    • Repeat Finding**

* A major non-conformity or unsafe condition has mandatory reporting requirements, please reference the TVIB Notifications document for specifics.

** Repeat findings may indicate a failure of the TSMS.

If you have any questions please call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email.