New! In the September 2011 edition of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, you can find an article entitled by Dennis Bryand, "Towing vessel inspection proposal". In the article, he discuss the proposed rulemaking by the US Coast Guard to bring most US towing vessels within the regime of vessels subject to inspection. This proposal, mandated by federal law and generally supported by the towing industry, will result in major changes to the industry, not all of which are yet fully apparent.
New! USCG – inspection of towing vessels. On August 11, 2011 the US Coast Guard issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding inspection of towing vessels, 76 Fed. Reg. 49975.
Comments on must be submitted by December 9, 2011.
P.L. 108-293 Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (See Sec. 415 on page 21)
Conference Report: Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (See Sec. 415 on page 84)
Text Sec. 415; text Conference Report on Sec. 415
Inspection of Towing Vessels Request for Comments
(Read responses to questions on inspection)
Training and Service Requirements for Merchant Marine Officers
Abstract: This project would make the following changes to merchant mariner training and service requirements: 1. Radar Endorsement: Remove the requirement for placing the date of the radar-observer endorsement on a merchant mariner's license. 2. Training Program: Allow an apprentice mate of towing vessels to reduce sea-service time required to qualify for mate (pilot) of towing vessels by successfully completing a Coast Guard approved training program. 3. Alternate Progression: Provide an alternate path to qualify as mate (pilot) of towing vessel for master of steam and motor vessels of not more than 200 gross register tons (GRT). Final Rule (09/11/2008)
Mallard Bay Decision by SJC
Uninspected Towing Vessels
An Analysis of the Historical and Contemporary Issue of Their Regulation Prepared By: Thomas A. Allegretti *, Assistant to the Director, Department of Inland Water Activities, Transportation Institute, Washington, D.C. 1980 * Now President & CEO of the American Waterways Operators (AWO)
TOWING VESSEL CASUALTIES
INVESTIGATION INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES
SURROUNDING THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE
M/V BALSA 37 THE TUG SEAFARER AND
T/B OCEAN 255,
AND THE TUG CAPT. FRED
BOUCHARD AND T/B NO. 155. AUGUST 10, 1993, WITH NO LOSS OF LIFE
FRANK PALLADINO (1994)
NORTH CAPE / SANDIA (1996)
ALLISION BETWEEN THE BARGE TOW OF THE M/V BROWN WATER VAND THE QUEEN ISABELLA CAUSEWAY BRIDGE. SEPT 15, 2001, PORT ISABEL, TEXAS.
With multiple loss of life.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE SINKING OF THE TUB VALOUR 40 MILES OFF THE COAST OF WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA. JANUARY 18, 2006 WITH MULTIPLE LOSS OF LIFE
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