What is the Towing Vessel Bridging Program?

The Towing Vessel Bridging Program is a federally sponsored initiative to ease the transition as uninspected towing vessels shift into the category of inspected vessels. The program is focused on helping United States Coast Guard personnel and members of the towing vessel industry to understand yet-to-be-finalized changes to chapter 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The program specifically is designed to ensure a smooth transition for those who operate uninspected towing vessels and to help them find success under the inspected status.

What is the primary focus of the Towing Vessel Bridging Program?

The Office of Vessel Activities – a division of the United States Coast Guard – developed the Towing Vessel Bridging Program to prepare for the implementation of new rules. These rules will be outlined in subchapter M of 46 CFR.

The Office’s stated goal is to improve and expand the nature of communications between the United States Coast Guard and those in the towing vessel industry. They propose doing this by helping members of both parties understand, adapt and prepare for new and existing:

• procedures;
• policies;
• requirements; and
• administrative structures.

The United States Coast Guard has stated it will provide support to the towing vessel industry during the transitionary period. Some of the proposed initiatives include:

• training United States Coast Guard personnel – including officers and inspectors – in new regulations;
• conducting outreach to members of the towing vessel industry (such as operators, owners, masters, mates and so on); and
• conducting inspections of uninspected towing vessels that will come under inspection with the implementation of subchapter M.

Note the Towing Vessel Bridging Program does not apply to:

• assistive towing vessels;
• workboats; or
• towboats sizes 25 feet or smaller that do not transport or tow vessels carrying hazardous cargo.

Regulations for these three vessel types may change at a later date. Such changes will be addressed through an appropriate program.

Preparing for the Implementation of Subchapter M

The United States Coast Guard formally announced in August 2011 it would implement new rules under subchapter M of 46 CFR. The rules represent new safety regulations in regard to towing vessels. The regulations will affect:

• inspections;
• safety standards;
• requisite safety management systems;
• electrical and mechanical requirements;
• use of third-party auditors; and
• the process for receiving a Certificate of Inspection.

The proposed changes were presented to the public with several periods for public comment. The United States Coast Guard continues to analyze and assess those comments and industry input as it finalizes subchapter M.

In the meantime, it remains crucial to stay in compliance with United States Coast Guard rules and industry standards. Best practices call for maintaining thorough and accurate vessel logs. Learn more about your vessel logbook needs by downloading this free Logbook Quick Reference Guide. We supply many specialized logbooks, including a Towing Vessel Logbook with a summary of updated rules and regulations. Call 888-468-3757 to learn more or to place an online order today.