An Overview of USCG Requirements for Towing Vessels

by | Thursday, January 30, 2014 | 0 comment(s)

United States-flagged, uninspected towing vessels are subject to a number of federal regulations, including United States Coast Guard requirements. These rules and guidelines apply to vessels that do not carry freight or passengers.

USCG requirements are designed for vessels limited to towing disabled or otherwise inoperable vessels to a point of safety. A towing vessel is defined by 33 Code of Federal Regulations 164.70 as a commercial vessel that pulls, pushes or hauls alongside – or any combination of the three.

Below is an overview of some of the most pertinent Coast Guard requirements for uninspected towing vessels:

Vessel Documentation and Numbering – An uninspected towing vessel of five or more net tons must carry an endorsed Certificate of Documentation on board at all times. Each Certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Further, a towing vessel must bear a vessel number on a visible structural part of the interior hull, and the vessel name must be marked on a visible exterior portion of the port and starboard bow and stern. External identification should be in Arabic or Roman numerals and Latin letters at least four inches or taller. The hailing port of the vessel must also be clearly identified on an external portion of the stern.

On-board Personnel – The USCG requires each uninspected towing vessel of eight or more meters/26 or more feet to be under the command of someone carrying the appropriate endorsements on his or her Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Accepted MMC officer endorsements are limited to:

  • Master of Towing Vessels;
  • Master of inspected self-propelled vessels (specifically those 200 GRT or more and with a towing vessels endorsement or TOAR);
  • Master of Towing Vessels (Harbor Assist) or (Limited), provided vessel is operated within the restrictions identified by the credential.

Other members of the crew also must be properly credentialed. This includes the person in charge of the navigation and/or maneuvering the uninspected towing vessel. A towing vessel that operates for 12 or more hours within a 24-hour timeframe must enlist a credentialed second officer. This person should hold the endorsement of Master, “Mate (Pilot) of towing vessels” or “Mate (Pilot) of towing vessels limited.”

No one member of the crew may exceed regulated hours of service. Most positions and roles have work hour limits between eight and 12 hours, depending on the vessel size and voyage route and speed.

Testing for Drugs and Alcohol – All crewmembers and marine employees must submit to a chemical test. This test must be conducted prior to employment. Random chemical tests may be performed to ensure continued safety of crew and vessel. All involved crew will be tested for chemicals/substances in the event of a serious marine incident, such as a death at sea or property damage of $100,000 or more.

Documentation – The USCG requires documentation of certain onboard activity, including radio use and more. My Vessel Logs offers a Towing Vessel Official Logbook for use aboard towing vessels not to be used on international voyage. The guide even includes a summary of all new regulations for towing vessels. Order online or call to order at 888-468-3757.

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