The global ferry industry is quite large. Worldwide, ferries transport 2.1 billion passengers every year, not to mention 250 million vehicles and 32 million trailers, according to InterFerry.Yet despite its vastness, the industry has very safe operations, with less than two associated casualties per year, reports the Passenger Vessel Association. Part of the reason why the industry is so safe is because it’s highly regulated by governmental agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).Defining...

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...

There are several types of barges, each with its own set of regulations. The type of barge determines which agency has jurisdiction over safety regulations, be it the U.S. Coast Guard or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).Regulations & JurisdictionAs a whole, barges are flat-bottomed vessels designed for transportation of cargo. There are numerous categories of barges, from inland barges and cargo barges, to specialty barracks barges and liquid cargo barges. Depending upon...

A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel used primarily for the transportation of goods, vehicles or cargo. Most barges are not self-propelled and require the assistance of a tug or towing vessel. Each barge is designed to maximize available space for cargo and provide stability during transportation.An Overview of the Primary Types of BargesAmong the most common types of barges in use in the United States and abroad include: Dry bulk cargo barges – Designed to transport large quantities of dry cargo,...