As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the captain of the port for Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston opened the ports of Houston, Texas City, Galveston, and Freeport with restrictions.
8/23/2017: Coast Guard-American Waterways Operators National Quality Steering Committee meeting
The Coast Guard-American Waterways Operators Safety Partnership held its National Quality Steering Committee meeting Aug. 2, 2017 to discuss safety issues and other topics affecting the towing industry. Maritime Commons attended the meeting and is providing a summary of the discussions and key takeaways.
8/1/2017: Coast Guard and National Cargo Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement
This new agreement signed July 20, 2017, outlines specific operating standards for organizations such as NCB including record keeping, quality management systems, training and qualification of personnel, liability, and governmental oversight of activities.
7/31/2017: Coast Guard and International Cargo Gear Bureau sign Memorandum of Agreement
The Memorandum of Agreement is for inspections and tests performed on U.S. flagged vessels by ICGB on behalf of the Coast Guard.
7/20/2017: July 20 significant date for Subchapter M implementation
This post provides a summary of actions and due dates required for the towing vessel industry to comply with Subchapter M.
6/15/2017: New policy letter on Subchapter M implementation
This policy letter provide guidance to the Officer(s) in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) and Coast Guard marine inspectors as well as the towing industry on how to obtain initial COIs for greater than the percentage of the towing vessels outlined in 46 CFR 136.202 of 46 CFR Subchapter M.
6/5/2017: How are we doing?
We want to hear from you if Maritime Commons is meeting your expectations and bringing you all the relevant Coast Guard information you need. Use the ‘submit ideas’ tab on the right or post in comment section.
5/24/2017: New policy letter on Subchapter M implementation released
The new policy letter covers use of previously conducted audits under existing safety management systems, such as the ISM Code and American Waterways Operators’ Responsible Carrier Program, as objective evidence of compliance for the issuance of a towing vessel’s initial certificate of inspection.
5/16/2017: MSIB 06-17 Electro-Technical Officer and Electro-Technical Rating endorsements
This MSIB addresses recent instances of port States misinterpreting requirements of III/6 and III/7 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), 1978, as amended.
