A Final Rule published June 20, 2016, set July 20, 2018, as the compliance date for all towing vessels subject to Subchapter M even if the vessel does not have a Certificate of Inspection. Towing vessels have a strong record of safe operations, so while July 20, 2018 represents a beginning of a new regulatory regime, these vessels will continue to operate safely and provide a valuable service to the nation’s economy.
07/17/2018: TugSafe Lite is now TugSafe Central with two new sections and more links to useful information
TugSafe Lite has been expanded and retitled TugSafe Central and is an important online source for Subchapter M compliance requirements and guidance. It has two new sections and new links to regulatory cites, USCG guidance documents and a link to a downloadable electronic version that is also printer-friendly.
6/6/2018: Updated Subchapter M Frequently Asked Questions now available
The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise recently published the latest additions and updates to the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Subchapter M, inspected towing vessels. As a convenience for our readers, in this post Maritime Commons is providing a compilation of those changes, made as of May 29, 2018.
10/4/2016: Safety alert – Towing operations
The Coast Guard issued a safety alert reminding owners and operators of businesses and vessels associated with the towing of large drilling rigs, such as semi-submersibles, conical or other types of non-standard tows, of the importance of planning for such significant towing operations.
9/2/2016: Subchapter M – Updated FAQs
The final rule to establish safety regulations for commercial towing vessels (known as “Subchapter M”) became effective July 20, 2016, with many of the requirements to be phased in over time. The final rule to establish safety regulations for commercial towing vessels (known as “Subchapter M”) became effective July 20, 2016, with many of the requirements to be phased in over time.
