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.
QUESTION: What do I do if I miss my annual survey window?
RESPONSE:
As soon as you realize you have missed the window for the annual survey you should do the following:
- Notify TVIB by contacting an Operations Coordinator by phone at 832-323-3992 or click here to send an email; and
- Notify the local OCMI as the COI was issued under the TSMS option and the vessel must comply with all elements for the COI to remain valid.
- It is important to advise the local OCMI that the TPO was notified of the deficiency and there is a plan in place to have the survey conducted.
The annual survey must note this failure to comply as a deficiency that must be addressed in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
The CAP for this item should detail HOW the company will ensure this does not happen in the future. It is NOT sufficient to state “the annual survey was completed” as this does not address the initial failure to comply and provide a plan to prevent a recurrence on this vessel or any others in the fleet.
See the FAQ related to calculating the window for conducting an annual survey for additional information.
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.
