The Coast Guard announces the availability of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-16, Guidelines for Credentialing Officers of Towing Vessels. This NVIC provides guidance to mariners concerning regulations governing endorsements to Merchant Mariner Credentials for service on towing vessels.
The Coast Guard will use this NVIC to establish whether candidates are qualified to hold officer endorsements for service on towing vessels. Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMIs) should bring this NVIC to the attention of the maritime industry within their zones of responsibility.
The Coast Guard published a final rule on December 24, 2013, (78 FR 77796) that includes changes to the regulations for credentialing officers of towing vessels. This rule became effective on March 24, 2014. The Coast Guard is publishing this NVIC to provide guidance on complying with the new regulations and is cancelling previous policy. Accordingly, this NVIC supersedes NVIC 04-01.
This NVIC supersedes NVIC 04-01, Licensing and Manning for Officers of Towing Vessels, and National Maritime Center (NMC) Policy Letter 04-03, Acceptance of STCW Assessments of Skills to Qualify for Near Coastal and Oceans Towing Vessel Licenses and Endorsements.
Further information may be found by reading the NVIC below
Source: USCG
