Inspections under the new towing vessel inspection program are continuing during the Covid-19 pandemic, but more often using remote technologies.
The Coast Guard and its third-party partners are performing fewer onboard inspections in an effort to limit potential exposure of its inspectors and the boat crews to the coronavirus, opting instead for what the Coast Guard calls “flexible and creative” techniques that put safety first.
These approaches include video conferencing and electronic...
Like other workboat sectors, the offshore service vessel industry is being affected by the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, the offshore industry is getting hit with a double whammy — plunging oil prices. The price of West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark crude oil, hit its lowest level since 2004 on Wednesday.
WTI crude closed at $22.59 on Friday.
Matthew Rigdon of Jackson Offshore Operators, said the limited supply of coronavirus testing apparatus is creating an especially...
https://www.workboat.com/news/offshore/offshore-operators-feel-the-effects-from-the-coronavirus/
The Coast Guard is examining all Subchapter T vessels following September’s fatal dive boat fire in California, an officer told a congressional hearing last week.
Rear Adm. Richard Timme, Coast Guard assistant commandant for prevention policy, said he created a task force to inspect the vessels and suggest any needed safety changes. “That includes relooking at the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) recommendations,” he said. Timme testified Nov. 14 before the House Transportation and...
https://www.workboat.com/news/passenger-vessels/coast-guard-to-inspect-all-subchapter-t-boats/