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.
QUESTION: When do I need to alert TVIB that my vessel is going into drydock for repairs?
RESPONSE:
You need to alert TVIB when your vessel is going into drydock for the following:
- Any Credit Drydock
- Non-credit drydock that involves the following:
- Any repair to a fuel tank;
- A repair that crosses two or more frames; or
- Steel replacement of greater than 324 square inches.
If you have any questions please call 832-323-3992 during normal business hours or click here to send an email and the appropriate staff member will get back to you.
If you require assistance after hours please 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.
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.
