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USCG D8: Certificates of Alternative Compliance (COAC) for Day Shapes

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The U.S. Coast Guard’s Eighth District is prepared to issue Certificates of Alternative Compliance (COAC) to inland towing vessels for which day shapes are an unnecessary requirement when they utilize technology to facilitate effective communication during emergencies. The AWO and industry leaders raised concerns with the Commander of the Eight District about day shapes being obsolete in the presence of technological improvements for safety and communication.

For a company to obtain a COAC, they should submit a written request to the Eighth Coast Guard District Chief of Prevention. COACs are intended for inland towing vessels operating exclusively on Internal Waters as defined in 33 CFR 2.24 within the Eighth Coast Guard District as defined by 33 CFR 3.40-1(b). The request must be accompanied with additional information as noted in the July 19, 2017 letter RADM Callahan to the AWO.

Click here to download the Day Shapes letter.

 

SAFETY ALERT 10-17: Carbon Monoxide

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09/25/2017

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 10-17

Recently along the Gulf Coast multiple passengers on board an uninspected passenger vessel (UPV) were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. One of the persons had a 26% CO level (amount of CO bound to hemoglobin or red blood cells) in their blood stream. Additionally, it was discovered that one of the passengers became unconscious and the other four passengers experienced heavy fatigue and vomiting as a result of the CO exposure.

Coast Guard Marine Inspectors conducted an exam of the vessel and found it to be in compliance with the ventilation requirements set forth in 46 CFR Subchapter C as they pertain to UPVs. The Coast Guard team then requested that the master get underway in order to take readings with a personal four gas meter. While underway the meter indicated significantly high parts per million CO in the vessel’s fishing area, the flying bridge, and interior cabin spaces. The team directed the master to cease all operations until the causal factors behind the hazardous condition could be addressed and corrected.

Click here to download Safety Alert 10-17

SAFETY ALERT 09-17: Leaky LifeJacket Lights

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09/25/2017

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Safety Alert 09-17

The Coast Guard has recently received a safety bulletin from Cruise Lines International Association that reported problems with life jacket lights. The bulletin relates to Alcares water activated flashing lifejacket lights models Jack A1 – A LK and Jack ARH – A LK (CG approval numbers 161.112/88 and 161.112/990). To date, inspections have discovered over 3,000 non-operational lights. All of the faulty lights discovered had leaky batteries, and some were identified as having incorrect battery expiration labels. All of the faulty lights were found to be non-operational before their expiration date.

The Coast Guard recommends that lifejackets with lights, especially those with automatic lights, be stored in temperature and humidity controlled, water-tight environments. Visual inspections and tests must be conducted in accordance with vessel carriage requirements and manufacturer manuals. Vessel owners/operators should check their lifejacket lights to verify that they are operational at the nearest opportunity.

Click here to download Safety Alert 09-17