by
MET Staff | Thursday, January 30, 2014 |
United
States-flagged, uninspected towing vessels are subject to a number of federal
regulations, including United States Coast Guard requirements. These rules and
guidelines apply to vessels that do not carry freight or passengers.
USCG
requirements are designed for vessels limited to towing disabled or otherwise
inoperable vessels to a point of safety. A towing vessel is defined by 33 Code
of Federal Regulations 164.70 as a commercial vessel that pulls, pushes or
hauls alongside – or any combination of the three.
Below is an overview of some of the
most pertinent Coast Guard requirements for uninspected towing vessels:
Vessel Documentation and Numbering – An uninspected towing vessel of
five or more net tons must carry an endorsed Certificate of Documentation on
board at all times. Each Certificate is valid for one year from the date of
issue.
Further, a
towing vessel must bear a vessel number on a visible structural part of the
interior hull, and the vessel name must be marked on a visible exterior portion
of the port and starboard bow and stern. External identification should be in
Arabic or Roman numerals and Latin letters at least four inches or taller. The
hailing port of the vessel must also be clearly identified on an external
portion of the stern.
On-board Personnel – The USCG requires each uninspected
towing vessel of eight or more meters/26 or more feet to be under the command
of someone carrying the appropriate endorsements on his or her Merchant
Mariner Credential (MMC). Accepted
MMC officer endorsements are limited to:
- Master of Towing
Vessels;
- Master of inspected
self-propelled vessels
(specifically those 200 GRT or more and with a towing vessels endorsement
or TOAR);
- Master of Towing
Vessels (Harbor Assist) or (Limited), provided vessel is operated within the restrictions
identified by the credential.
Other members
of the crew also must be properly credentialed. This includes the person in
charge of the navigation and/or maneuvering the uninspected towing vessel. A
towing vessel that operates for 12 or more hours within a 24-hour timeframe
must enlist a credentialed second officer. This person should hold the
endorsement of Master, “Mate (Pilot) of towing vessels” or “Mate (Pilot) of
towing vessels limited.”
No one member
of the crew may exceed regulated hours of service. Most positions and roles have
work hour limits between eight and 12 hours, depending on the vessel size and
voyage route and speed.
Testing for Drugs and Alcohol – All crewmembers and marine
employees must submit to a chemical test. This test must be conducted prior to
employment. Random chemical tests may be performed to ensure continued safety
of crew and vessel. All involved crew will be tested for chemicals/substances
in the event of a serious marine incident, such as a death at sea or property
damage of $100,000 or more.
Documentation – The USCG requires documentation of
certain onboard activity, including radio use and more. My Vessel Logs offers a
Towing
Vessel Official Logbook for use aboard towing vessels not to be used on
international voyage. The guide even includes a summary of all new regulations
for towing vessels. Order online or call to order at 888-468-3757.