The U.S. Coast Guard is marking the conclusion of the certificate of inspection phase-in period under Subchapter M towing vessel regulations. The long-awaited Subchapter M regulation went into effect in…
Subchapter M
Subchapter M virtual training available online
The Coast Guard’s Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE) announced yesterday that virtual Subchapter M training is now available on the TVNCOE website.
As a partner in Subchapter M compliance, this virtual course offering is designed to meet Subchapter M familiarity and instruction needs. Whether a Coast Guard marine inspector, industry compliance officer or operator, or third party organization (TPO) representative, the narrated...
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/subchapter-m-virtual-training-available-online/
Remote vessel inspections gain momentum
As more inspections under the new Subchapter M towing vessel inspection program are performed remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, those involved say that virtual evaluations are working well so far.
Joining the discussion in a May 12 webinar organized by the American Waterways Operators were Marcia Macone of Crowley Marine Services, Tava Foret of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau, a professional trade association of marine auditors and surveyors, Paul Hite, Subchapter M operations...
https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/remote-vessel-inspections-gain-momentum/
Coast Guard increases remote Subchapter M inspections
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...
Coast Guard now offering customizable Subchapter M training programs
The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise has launched a new training hub that allows industry compliance officers or operators, third party organization representatives, and Coast Guard marine inspectors to request customizable, in-person Subchapter M training sessions that are based on the latest policy and Coast Guard perspective on the selected topics.
The following are the training modules offered and the estimated course run times:
Introduction: Introduce TVNCOE staff. Describe the...
The 10 Top News Stories of 2019
10. M&A ACTIVITY STEADY IN 2019
Over the years Vigor Industrial has grown with mergers and acquisitions of maritime facilities in the Northwest and Alaska and a customer list that includes private as well as major government clients such as the U.S. military and Washington State Ferries (WSF).
Vigor’s track record apparently made it attractive to global investor The Carlyle Group and private equity firm Stellex Capital Management which in September closed the purchase of the Portland, Ore.-based...
https://www.workboat.com/news/workboat-show-news/the-10-top-news-stories-of-2019/
Steiner Shipyard delivers Florida Marine’s 100th towboat
On Oct. 10, Steiner Shipyard, Bayou La Batre, Ala., delivered the 100’x34’x11″ towboat David Goin to Mandeville, La.-based Florida Marine Transporters.
“This was our first boat for Florida Marine and our first Subchapter M boat,” said Tara Steiner Marshal, the shipyard’s owner and president, who took over the yard’s ownership when her father, Russell Steiner, retired earlier this year. “It was a learning process for everybody, but it turned out great. We’re building more boats for them.”
FMT...
https://www.workboat.com/news/shipbuilding/steiner-shipyard-delivers-florida-marines-100th-towboat/
Subchapter M, a ‘milestone in marine safety’
Fifteen years in the making, Subchapter M, the Coast Guard’s sweeping regulations regarding previously uninspected towing vessels, has now been in effect for over a year.
Late last month, about 100 policymakers, operators, consultants and suppliers spent time hashing out just how the regs have worked and what needs to fix at a two-day conference hosted by the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) at its conference center in Baltimore.
Thomas Allegretti, president & CEO of...
https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/subchapter-m/
Coast Guard updates approved Subchapter M TPO list
The Coast Guard has posted an updated list of approved Subchapter M Third-Party Organizations (TPOs) to its website. These companies may conduct audits and surveys of Subchapter M vessels.
The Coast Guard has also posted a list of classification societies that are authorized to perform the functions...
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/coat-guard-updates-approved-subchapter-m-tpo-list/
Decatur Marine adds ‘Wheelhouse’ software to service
Computers on tugboats are becoming as ubiquitous as coffeemakers. The old-time logbook just doesn’t cut it anymore to meet the compliance requirements of 46 CFR Subchapter M. Recordkeeping, along with safety audits and inspections, is a large piece of the year-old regulation that requires all towing vessels over 26′ to obtain a Certificate of Inspection.
Many operators have turned to U.S. Coast Guard designated Third Party Organizations (TPO) to assist in developing a safety management system...