After
almost 12 years since the US Congress first recommended that the towing
industry improve safety, the final Subchapter M rule has been released. Formally
published on June 20 and will take effect July 20, imposing new compliance
requirements for inspection and safety management.
almost 12 years since the US Congress first recommended that the towing
industry improve safety, the final Subchapter M rule has been released. Formally
published on June 20 and will take effect July 20, imposing new compliance
requirements for inspection and safety management.
Until
now, inland towing vessels have not been inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG). The level of inspection required will become generally the same as is
seen in blue-water and passenger ships in terms of safety, record-keeping,
COI-issuance, manning and other requirements similar to ISM and
blue-water shipping.
now, inland towing vessels have not been inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG). The level of inspection required will become generally the same as is
seen in blue-water and passenger ships in terms of safety, record-keeping,
COI-issuance, manning and other requirements similar to ISM and
blue-water shipping.
RINA
and Tug and Barge Solutions (TBS) are taking a flexible, lean approach to
helping towing vessel operators comply, leveraging their combined technology
and industry knowledge to offer an affordable, safe and efficient option.
and Tug and Barge Solutions (TBS) are taking a flexible, lean approach to
helping towing vessel operators comply, leveraging their combined technology
and industry knowledge to offer an affordable, safe and efficient option.
Subchapter
M outlines two methods for operators to reach compliance. The first is the TSMS
(Towing Safety Management System) Option, which requires a company to develop
and implement a TSMS and then be subject to external audits/physical surveys
twice every five years. The second method is the USCG Option, which is an
annual inspection by the USCG in conjunction with the development of a company
health and safety plan. The USCG Option entails “user fees” which are presently
set at $1030 per year, equivalent to the amount for other inspected vessels.
M outlines two methods for operators to reach compliance. The first is the TSMS
(Towing Safety Management System) Option, which requires a company to develop
and implement a TSMS and then be subject to external audits/physical surveys
twice every five years. The second method is the USCG Option, which is an
annual inspection by the USCG in conjunction with the development of a company
health and safety plan. The USCG Option entails “user fees” which are presently
set at $1030 per year, equivalent to the amount for other inspected vessels.
RINA
and TBS have chosen to focus on helping small to medium-sized operators who
chose the TSMS Option, as larger companies will have the resources to comply
through internal departments. Large operators can essentially hire a team of
experts – like the team TBS has on staff – to create and manage their safety
and compliance functions in house.
and TBS have chosen to focus on helping small to medium-sized operators who
chose the TSMS Option, as larger companies will have the resources to comply
through internal departments. Large operators can essentially hire a team of
experts – like the team TBS has on staff – to create and manage their safety
and compliance functions in house.
For smaller firms, RINA and TBS’ “out-sourced”
approach will save time and money and provide a solution tailored specifically
to the needs of different operators and their various towing operations. The
training services RINA provide are tailored to what each crew does in a
specific company. These will be documented using the safety management system
developed by TBS, which is also tailored to each specific company operation.
approach will save time and money and provide a solution tailored specifically
to the needs of different operators and their various towing operations. The
training services RINA provide are tailored to what each crew does in a
specific company. These will be documented using the safety management system
developed by TBS, which is also tailored to each specific company operation.
Typically,
TBS trains a crew to properly conduct and record specific types of company
training, and then conducts internal audits to insure compliance. Some
companies perform in-house training, but it is not comprehensive or widespread.
TBS trains a crew to properly conduct and record specific types of company
training, and then conducts internal audits to insure compliance. Some
companies perform in-house training, but it is not comprehensive or widespread.
RINA
can now certify TBS systems, conduct class surveys, and issue SMCs (Safety
Management Certificates), which are required to obtain the COI (Certificate of
Inspection) from the United States Coast Guard, along with the other towing
services it already provides (such as load-line certificates).
can now certify TBS systems, conduct class surveys, and issue SMCs (Safety
Management Certificates), which are required to obtain the COI (Certificate of
Inspection) from the United States Coast Guard, along with the other towing
services it already provides (such as load-line certificates).
RINA
and TBS will also join American Waterways Operators, a national advocate for
the US tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which promotes the long-term
economic soundness of the industry and works to enhance its ability to provide
safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation.
and TBS will also join American Waterways Operators, a national advocate for
the US tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which promotes the long-term
economic soundness of the industry and works to enhance its ability to provide
safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily
those of The Maritime Executive.
those of The Maritime Executive.
Source: Maritime Executive
