The Towing Vessel Bridging Program is a federally sponsored initiative to ease the transition as uninspected towing vessels shift into the category of inspected vessels. The program is focused on helping United States Coast Guard personnel and members of the towing vessel industry to understand yet-to-be-finalized changes to chapter 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).The program specifically is designed to ensure a smooth transition for those who operate uninspected towing vessels and...

All vessels traveling on the high seas or within federal navigable waters are subject to an onboard United States Coast Guard (USCG) inspection. The scope, duration and nature of the vessel inspection will vary depending on: size (gross tonnage) of the vessel; whether the vessel is used for recreational or commercial purposes; the number of passengers aboard; and where the vessel is being navigated (for instance, the Great Lakes versus the high seas, or a Western river). Vessel operators,...

The United States Coast Guard has instituted a number of requirements for commercial fishing vessels operating in national waters. These rules are intended to protect the safety of crew and passengers aboard, prevent property damage, reduce environmental impact, and reduce the likelihood of a maritime accident.Many regulations are based on the size and scope of a vessel. For instance, safety equipment requirements vary, depending on the vessel size and whether the boat will travel on inland...

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...