Subchapter M has now been in effect for two years and nine months. There have been many audits and surveys, as well as a few drydock/internal structural exams during this timeframe. It is no secret, tracking these Subchapter M events is far from easy. We would like to focus on a few high-level dates, that are significantly important related to audits and surveys for those operators that selected the TSMS option. Some of this information may be specific to TVIB, and there may be slight variances in expectations for other TPOs.
While the tables (linked here and below) present information in a logical manner, it is important to establish what constitutes meeting the compliance deadline. TVIB considers a deadline to be met on the date that TVIB distributes the final report. Performing the activity does not in itself achieve the deadline. For a report to be marked final, the auditor/surveyor must perform the activity, draft the report and submit it to TVIB staff for review. Once TVIB has reviewed the report and accepts the corrective action plan, the report is marked final and is distributed.
Therefore, a vessel owner/operator and auditor/surveyor must allow sufficient time for the review process to take place, including any necessary clarifications or revisions. In most cases, a report can be reviewed and finalized within 3-4 business days, but occasionally the review process may take longer. The tables contain our recommendations on timing for submitting audit/survey reports for review. These recommendations are designed to help the vessel owner/operator ensure a compliance deadline for an audit/survey is not missed.
While there are multiple factors that should be considered before the Coast Guard deems a TSMS Certificate or COI invalid, it is TVIB’s goal that a missed audit/survey compliance date is not among those factors.
Lastly, TVIB has established a working group that is looking at ways to improve the process for identifying, acting on, and verifying corrective actions. It is possible this working group’s recommendations create slight adjustments to timeframes for submitting reports to TVIB. Should any change occur, we will update the tables as necessary.
Download TVIBs Subchapter M Audit and Survey Timelines tables.
We hope you find the above information and below tables helpful. If there is a topic you would like us to consider for our blog, please contact one of our staff members or submit it to info@thetvib.org.