Subchapter M is the most important rulemaking ever to affect the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, and the American Waterways Operators is committed to helping all members successfully navigate the transition to towing vessel inspection. AWO’s Board of Directors has also asked the association to serve as an information resource for the entire industry, including tugboat and towboat companies that do not belong to AWO, so that the rule’s promise of improved marine safety and environmental stewardship industry-wide can be achieved.
The Coast Guard will revise the problematic dates in Parts 143,144.
The Coast Guard’s towing vessel inspection rule will become effective on Wednesday, July 20. Although existing vessels are not required to comply with the majority of Subchapter M’s requirements until July 20, 2018, AWO members should be aware of the requirement that does take effect. Read the full AWO Alert.
The American Waterways Operators and ClassNK signed an agreement under which ClassNK will be authorized to conduct audits of AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program.
The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, hailed the U.S. Coast Guard’s publication of the rule to establish an inspection regime for towing vessels at 46 CFR Subchapter M, which will take safety in the towing industry to a new and historic level.
In an editorial in the Washington Times, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) details the importance of the Jones Act to homeland security. Mr. Hunter is Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.
