TVIB News News and Updates

TVIB Issues Its First TSMS Certificate

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June 23, 2017, TVIB issued its first TSMS certificate to Crounse Corporation. Crounse successfully completed a full Subchapter M TSMS audit including a review of its operations for compliance with Subchapter M.

Crounse is the first of a number of companies that have chosen TVIB as their U.S. Coast Guard Approved Third-Party Organization (TPO) for Subchapter M compliance. We are very appreciative of the confidence Crounse showed in TVIB and look forward to a long relationship. Reaching this important milestone in the development of TVIB is a significant achievement for our staff and our members.

We are working with a number of TPO customers to take advantage of the recent Coast Guard policy letter CG-CVC Policy Letter 17-02 and the AWO Alert issued on June 8th, that provided guidance on how a company can use their previous RCP Management Audit towards the issuance of their initial TSMS Certificate.  Additionally, we are preparing those same customers to take the necessary steps to apply for and obtain COIs for their vessels in the coming year.

We have a broad geographic dispersion of Subchapter M Auditors and Surveyors throughout the inland river system, the gulf and from the west coast to the east coast. Our auditors and surveyors are some of the most experienced available. They have a keen understanding of the industry, as many started out their career on deck, moving up to the wheelhouse and on to shoreside operations and management. We know your business and you know our auditors and surveyors.  Contact us to learn how our TPO services can help your organization achieve Subchapter M compliance ahead of the July 20, 2018 deadline.

TVIB is THE TPO YOU KNOW AND TRUST

Tava S. Foret, Executive Vice President, Operations
832.323.2155
tavaf@thetvib.org

Chris Parsonage, President
832.323.2188
chrisp@thetvib.org

MSIB – Acceptable U.S. Ballast Water Management Methods vs. BWM Convention Methods

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06/30/2017

The U.S. Coast published MSCI No.: 007-17 Acceptable U.S. Ballast Water Management Methods vs. BWM Convention Methods.

The purpose of this bulletin is to remind masters, owners/operators, agents and persons-in-charge of vessels that the United States is not signatory to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediment (BWM Convention) and that vessels discharging ballast water (BW) into the waters of the U.S. must comply with the requirements of 33 CFR 151 Subparts C and D.

Non-recreational vessels, U.S. and foreign, that are equipped with ballast tanks are required to comply with the U.S. ballast water regulations provided in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 151 Subparts C & D when operating in the waters of the United States, except as expressly provided in 33 CFR 151.2015 & 151.2020.

Click here to download MSIB 007-17 in full.

USCG Blog – Cyber Security and the Safety Management System

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06/30/2017

A recent post on the USCG Blog for Maritime Professionals announced the IMO resolution on cyber risk management that was approved at the 98th session of the Maritime Safety Committee.

Excerpt “The resolution affirms that approved safety management systems should take cyber risk management into account in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the International Safety Management Code. Drawing upon the recommendations published in MSC.1/Circ.1526 Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management, the resolution also reaffirmed that existing risk management practices should be used to address the operational risks associated with the growing dependence on cyber enabled systems. Through the resolution, IMO member states are encouraged to ensure cyber risks are appropriately addressed in safety management systems no later than the first annual verification of the company’s Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021. The Coast Guard will continue to work with industry partners to develop a clear and achievable path towards compliance in order to foster a resilient risk management approach towards cyber risks throughout the Marine Transportation System.”

While this resolution is specific to those operating under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, other should take note as the trend is quickly spreading. Those participating in the Oil Companies International Marine Forum’s (OCIMF) Tanker Management and Self Assessment, Third Edition 2017 (TMSA3) will note the addition of element 13 Maritime Security. Element 13 specifically references cyber security in 13.2.3.

Click here to read the USCG blog post on Cyber Risk Management.