TVIB News News and Updates

TVIB: 2 New Job Opportunities

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In-House Auditor/Surveyor 

TVIB is seeking an experienced individual to conduct both Vessel and Management In-House audits as well as conduct compliance surveys on Towing vessels for compliance with subchapter M. This position will also participate in training of auditors and surveyors, including attending a sample of audits and surveys to provide oversight and quality control for TPO customer’s internal surveyors and TVIB certified auditors and surveyors. This position will also participate in TVIB’s efforts to manage the processing of compliance audits reports (management and vessel) and to review the effectiveness and accuracy of towing vessel surveys reports.

Click here to download the job posting for In-House Auditor/Surveyor.

Training and Document Control Coordinator 

TVIB provides training and educational resources to individuals that seek to be certified by TVIB as Subchapter M qualified auditors and surveyors, as well as to TVIB customers that seek to increase their knowledge and abilities to implement towing safety management systems, and to conduct internal audits and internal surveys of their companies. We are seeking an experienced individual to develop and deliver training to meet the needs of TVIB customers and staff, and for maintaining TVIB’s QMS in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 as it relates to TVIB’s operations.

Click here to download the job posting for Training and Document Control Coordinator

USCG: Update to Guidance for TSMS Option Vessels Under Subchapter M

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Originally posted on the USCG Maritime Commons

POSTED BY LT AMY MIDGETT ON JULY 17, 2019

The Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance recently updated work instruction CVC-WI-013(3), “Towing Vessel COI Inspections under TSMS Option.” Updates include but are not limited to adding annual and renewal Certificate of Inspection guidance for Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter M.

Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should reference this guidance when issuing a COI under 46 CFR Subchapter M for inspected towing vessels choosing the TSMS option. A flow chart is included in the Work Instruction to illustrate the TSMS compliance process. 

For full details, view or download the Work Instruction. 

If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Office of Domestic Commercial Vessel Compliance (CVC-1) via CG-CVC-1@uscg.mil. 

USCG: Certificate of Documentation Guidance During Application Processing Delays

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Originally published on USCG Maritime Commons

POSTED BY LT AMY MIDGETT ON JULY 15, 2019

The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) is experiencing delays in the time necessary to issue a Certificate of Documentation (COD) due to performance issues associated with its Information Technology (IT) System. The Coast Guard recognizes the need to minimize the effect on the maritime community. The following guidance is provided: 

Vessels Engaged on Domestic Voyages Only (Coastwise/Fisheries): Vessel(s) with an expired COD may continue to operate domestically on the previously issued trade endorsements provided a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. Vessel owners should be prepared to present evidence, upon request, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC), that a renewal application was submitted. 

New Construction/Initial Certification (All Trade Endorsements): In accordance with the Marine Safety Manual, Vol. II, an initial COI may be completed before the COD is issued provided the NVDC has received the application for documentation. Vessel representatives should be prepared to present evidence that the application was submitted to the NVDC to the OCMI. 

Engaged on International Voyage (Registry Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage on international voyages and are subject to Port State Control may request a letter from CG-CVC for continued operation. Requests for a letter confirming vessel registry by the United States should be sent to FlagStateControl@uscg.mil and include objective evidence that a renewal application has been submitted to the NVDC. 

Recreational Vessels (Recreational Endorsement): Vessel(s) with an expired COD that actively engage in recreational use shall not be subject to COD related enforcement action, provided the vessel owner can present evidence that the renewal application was submitted to the NVDC. 

A list of cognizant OCMI / COTP contacts is available on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance website. 

In order to ensure NVDC can process the maximum number of applications possible, we ask that you submit any questions via electronic mail to nvdc.w.webmaster@uscg.mil while the IT System is operating at reduced capacity. Responses can be expected within 24-48 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The latest NVDC Case Processing Report is available from the NVDC website here. 

Sign up to receive updates to the Case Processing Report via email.