QUESTION: As I prepare for upcoming Drydock and Internal structural examinations what standards should I reference for hull thickness?
RESPONSE:
Existing Vessels: DD/ISE Planning and Hull Thickness NVIC 7-68 Inspection and Repair of Steel Hulls. This will provide you with minimum hull requirements and maximum wastage allowances.
New Vessels: Reference 46 CFR 144.205(a) Structural standards for a new vessel.
For a new vessel to be certificated for service on –
(1) Lakes, bays and sounds, limited coastwise, coastwise and oceans routes – follow ABS Rules for Building and Classing – Steel Vessel Under 90 Meters (295 feet) in Length; or
(2) Rivers and Intercoastal waterways – follow Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways
These are both incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 136.112.
46 CFR 144.205(d) The structural standard selected must be applied throughout the vessel including design, construction, installation, maintenance, alteration, and repair. Deviations are subject to approval by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.
For further guidance or discussion always feel free to reach out to an Operations Manager at TVIB by calling 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email.
QUESTION: When do I need to amend a COI?
RESPONSE:
A COI must be amended if any of the following occur:
- Vessel is sold (new owner to apply for amended COI);
- Vessel’s operator changes (such as under a new charter contract);
- TPO covering the vessel changes;
- Vessel changes Subchapter M compliance options (such as moving from CG option to TSMS option);
- Vessel has a change in route, manning, exceptions, or alternative arrangements; or
- To correct errors (typographical, incorrect survey program, etc.)
Please work with the local OCMI and remember to send a copy of the amended COI to TVIB so we can update our records accordingly. If you have any questions about when to amend a COI please call 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email.
QUESTION: During a recent annual survey the lifebuoy was in overall good condition, the reflective tape was good, and it was marked in block capital letters with the vessel’s name. However, the identification label was worn off and I was unable to confirm if the lifebuoy was USCG-approved. Does this lifebuoy need to be replaced?
RESPONSE:
Yes. 46 CFR 141.360(b)(1) states that each lifebuoy “Be approved under approval series 160.050 or 160.150.” If the labeling on the lifebuoy is unreadable and/or missing, and you are unable to verify the series of the lifebuoy it should be replaced.
