On 04/07/2020 Sector Mobile sent out an email related to changes to their inspection protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The email stressed that crew safety is, as always, “…at the forefront of all operational risk management decisions…” Following are the key elements from this communication related to requirements for towing vessel companies:
- Leveraging video inspections utilizing GOOGLE
DUO, when approved by Sector Mobile. We
will be sending out procedures on how this will be conducted. Video inspections will need to be coordinated
with the Coast Guard marine inspectors prior
to scheduling.
- For TSMS Vessel’s seeking their initial COI, and
in addition to the items requested on our checklist, the TPO can send a
statement of satisfactorily observing fire, abandon ship, and man over board
drills. SECTOR Mobile will then be poised to issue the COI and issue a CG-835v
worklist item to conduct drills in the presence of a Coast Guard Marine
Inspector within 90 days.
- Coast Guard Option initial COI inspections for
an existing vessel will require an onboard inspection. These inspections will be conducted on a case
by case basis due to latest COVID-19 guidance and resource availability.
- For on vessel inspections, the entire vessel
will be cleared of all personnel, with the exception of the Inspection Party.
- Inspection Party will consist of; Coast Guard
Marine Inspector, vessel Crew, and TPO, not to exceed 5 persons total.
- To reduce multiple trips, the vessel will be
fully vetted on our end before we attend the inspection and the vessel shall be
ready for inspection.
- If at any time CG inspectors are met by
personnel that are not part of the Inspection party as outlined above, CG
members will depart the vessel and require rescheduling of the inspection.
“With the current applications we have received, prior to the changes in operations due to COVID-19, we will continue to vet those packages and schedule an inspection based on the guidelines listed above. For packages submitted to our office during the COVID-19 crisis, there will be delays in processing as we are operating at a reduced staff to minimize inspector exposure and maintain a healthy workforce. However, we are still vetting packages and will decide which inspection option to use when scheduling the inspection. Certificates of Inspections will be e-mailed, and followed up with the original being mailed via the post office. With regards to meeting the 50% deadline by July 20, SECTOR Mobile has not received any guidance on relaxing the enforcement actions that was set forth earlier this year. Nonetheless, our office will do its best to accommodate all requests, and will keep you posted on any changes with enforcement actions.”
The sector noted that the situation is fluid and changing rapidly. They will publish any modification to the list above as needed. You can direct any questions to Mr. York, Chief, Domestic Vessel Branch.
