TVIB News U.S. Coast Guard

11/28/2017

The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued Policy Letter 17-10 Deficiency Recording and Reporting for Vessels Using A Towing Vessels Using a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) Option.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy letter is to provide guidance to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (NCOE), Officer(s) in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), Third Party Organizations (TPO), and the marine industry on the recording and reporting of deficiencies and non-conformities on vessels whose owners have chosen to use the TSMS option.

Click here to download CG-CVC 17-10

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.