ABS, provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, announced that has been awarded a Third Party Organization contract by Blessey Marine Services, Inc., owner and operator of a fleet of inland towing vessels and tank barges, to support compliance with US Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements.
“Owners and operators are evaluating multiple options for Subchapter M compliance, and they are looking for guidance in understanding the requirements in relation to the unique needs of their vessels,” says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith. “ABS is helping owners achieve compliance while considering their unique operational demands.”
Blessey Marine needs proactive engagement regarding compliance options for its fleets. The recently signed contract with Blessey Marine secured ABS as its Third Party Organization (TPO), providing all relevant Subchapter M-related audits and inspections.
“Like many in industry, Blessey Marine has spent the past several years preparing for the rollout of Subchapter M,” says Blessey Marine President and COO Clark Todd. “We chose ABS to be our SubM partner based on their technical understanding of marine vessels and their commitment to industry safety.”
ABS can provide a custom approach that supports Subchapter M compliance during plan review, construction and throughout the service life of the vessel and can approve plan reviews, avoiding additional USCG submissions. Included in the providings are Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) audits – a USCG approved Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option on behalf of American Waterways Operators (AWO) members – and the development of relevant Rules and Guides to support owners and operators if they decide to class.
Source & Image credit: ABS
