USCG Aiding Preparation for Subchapter M

Posted by Eric Haun August 19, 2016

Marine Inspectors from MSU Portland conduct a field dry dock examination to educate and train the towing vessel community on new regulatory standards that will come into force in the summer of 2018. The information session held at MSU Portland was the second in a series of national outreach forums designed to educate towing vessel operators on the new Subchapter M regulations. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

U.S. Coast Guard, industry working together in preparation for the implementation of inspected towing vessel regulations

Marine Inspectors from Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Portland conducted a field dry dock examination, Wednesday, to educate and train the towing vessel community on new regulatory standards that will come into force in the summer of 2018.

Shaver Transportation Company suggested the field outreach event during a U.S. Coast Guard initiated information session the previous week.

The information session held at MSU Portland was the second in a series of national outreach forums designed to educate towing vessel operators on the new regulations, referred to as “Subchapter M.” These new regulations establish new safety and compliance requirements for towing vessels, including lifesaving and fire protection, design and construction, and operational safety standards.

Coast Guard Inspectors attended the Tug Willamette after it was hauled out at JT Marine for a regularly scheduled dry dock. Experienced marine inspectors walked through the Coast Guard dry dock examination process while answering questions from towing vessel operators in a collaborative forum.

“Today was a great example of the towing vessel community and Coast Guard learning from one another and fostering a professional relationship that will support the implementation of Subchapter M and our shared goal of improving safety” said Capt. Bill Timmons, commander of Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.

Shaver Transportation invited other towing vessel companies to attend the event. The exam was well attended with personnel from JT Marine Inc., Shaver Transportation Company, Tidewater Barge Lines, Bernert Barge Lines, Salmon Bay Barge Line Inc., and Olympic Tug & Barge.