Coast Guard Regulations for Tug Boats & Towing Vessels

With the passage of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, towing vessels now may be classified as inspected vessels. They are subject to U.S. Coast Guard inspection and regulation and are required to obtain a certificate of inspection (COI). 46 CFR Subchapter M has been in the works since passage of the Act and is yet to be implemented fully.

In the meantime, the Coast Guard has implemented the Towing Vessel Bridging Program to ease towing vessels into the new inspection regulations.

The Towing Vessel Bridging Program (TVBP)

The purpose of the TVBP is to get the towing vessel industry acclimated to the new procedures, requirements and other aspects of regulations it can expect upon implementation of Subchapter M.

Towing vessels may complete the TVBP examination. Those that do will receive a Towing Vessel Bridging Program decal that indicates compliance with the requirements and is valid for three years from date of issuance. An inspection can be scheduled with a local Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections (OCMI) or Captain of the Port (COTP) at a convenient time and location.

Regulations for towing vessels are provided for nearly every facet of operation, including:

• vessel documentation;
• load lines;
• personnel and training;
• drug and alcohol testing;
• marine casualty reporting;
• navigation equipment;
• pollution prevention;
• fire prevention;
• lifesaving equipment; and
• towing gear.

You can check out a full list of the items included in the inspection by downloading a copy of the USCG Uninspected Towing Vessel Examination form.

The Coast Guard notes that towing vessels may be subject to boarding. But having a TVBP decal may indicate to the Coast Guard that the vessel is a lower risk and may influence whether the operational commander decides to board the vessel.

Keeping Your Records in Order

It’s important to follow all the regulations not only for logistical and safety reasons, but also for liability purposes. If one of your crew members is injured and you don’t have evidence to prove that you’ve rigidly adhered to federal safety regulations, you might be liable under general maritime law.

Inspection officials check logs and manuals for thoroughness and accuracy to ensure compliance with regulations. Some of the things they may look at include your:

• training records and logs (including the date and description of the training for each crew member);
• emergency training and drill logs;
• logbook containing all the results of the tests and inspections required by 33 CFR 164.80;
• station logs, e.g., radio logs; and
• records for towline and towing astern.

Meeting USCG Logging Requirements

In order to minimize risk, standardize your operations, reduce human error and ensure you keep thorough records aboard your towing vessel. For a collection of logbooks that meet the USCG’s recording regulations, peruse My Vessel Logs and download the free guidebook, Logbook Quick Reference Guide. The guide can help you figure out which logbooks you require.

If you have any questions, call My Vessel Logstoday at 888-468-3757. You also can place your orders online.