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Proposed rulemaking published for inspection of towing vessels

August 13th 7:03 pm | Alaska Newspapers Staff Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

A notice of proposed rulemaking designed to improve safety on towing vessels has been published by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Federal Register and public comment now is being sought.

The notice of proposed rulemaking provides a layered approach to towing vessel safety that includes the option of an audited safety management system or an annual Coast Guard inspection regime, the Coast Guard said in an announcement this week.

The notice includes procedures for obtaining certificates of inspection issued by the Coast Guard, and for Coast Guard oversight of any audit and survey processes involving third party organizations.

Additionally, it would establish safety regulations governing the inspection, standards, and safety management systems for towing vessels. These include requirements for lifesaving and fire protection, electrical and mechanical items, and operational requirements such as crewmember training and drills, navigation and towing safety, and recordkeeping provisions.

The Coast Guard has worked closely with the Towing Safety Advisory Committee in developing this proposed rulemaking and now encourages public comment on the proposal. Interested parties can review the proposal and submit comments and related materials at http://www.regulations.gov/, docket number USCG-2006-24412. All comments are posted without change. The comment period ends on Dec. 9, 2011.

While at this time, there is no specific proposal regarding requirements for hours of service and crew endurance management for mariners aboard towing vessels, comments on this important topic are encouraged and will be considered when the Coast Guard decides whether to propose such requirements in the future.

The Coast Guard's current Towing Vessel Bridging Program efforts, which address verifying compliance with existing regulations, will not be impacted by these proposed regulations.

View the notice at http://gpo.gov.fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-11/pdf/2011-18989.pdf

For more information about Alaska's towing operations and safety requirements contact Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Horan at 907-463-2819. For questions about the NPRM contact Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike O'Berry at 202-372-4644

 

Alaska Newspapers Staff can be reached at editor@alaskanewspapers.com, or by phone at 907-348-2449

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