2016-12857: Inspection of Towing Vessels

Summary

The Coast Guard is establishing safety regulations governing the inspection, standards, and safety management systems of towing vessels. We are taking this action because the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 reclassified towing vessels as vessels subject to inspection and authorized the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to establish requirements for a safety management system appropriate for the characteristics, methods of operation, and nature of service of towing vessels. This rule, which includes provisions covering specific electrical and machinery requirements for new and existing towing vessels, the use and approval of third-party organizations, and procedures for obtaining Certificates of Inspection, will become effective July 20, 2016. However, certain existing towing vessels subject to this rule will have an additional 2 years before having to comply with most of its requirements.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 13 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 46 CFR 1 Organization, General Course and Methods Governing Marine Safety Functions
• 46 CFR 2 Vessel Inspections
• 46 CFR 15 Manning Requirements
• 46 CFR 136 Certification
• 46 CFR 137 Vessel Compliance
• 46 CFR 138 Towing Safety Management System (TSMS)
• 46 CFR 139 Third-Party Organizations
• 46 CFR 140 Operations
• 46 CFR 141 Lifesaving
• 46 CFR 142 Fire Protection
• 46 CFR 143 Machinery and Electrical Systems and Equipment
• 46 CFR 144 Construction and Arrangement
• 46 CFR 199 Lifesaving Systems for Certain Inspected Vessels