The US Coast Guard Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise posted a notice on 12 September to alert mariners that the manning section of TugSafe Central has been revised to clarify current guidance and policy regarding manning of inspected towing vessels.
Additionally, a new section entitled “Determining Manning Levels” was added to provide guidance and references for developing and evaluating manning levels for these vessels.
This guidance can assist vessel owners and operators as they propose manning levels to the Coast Guard when requesting an initial inspection for certification.
The cognizant OCMI is responsible for establishing manning levels for each towing vessel based on statutory and regulatory requirements and with consideration given to factors including, but not limited to, vessel size, service and route.
Manning guidance and sample manning scales for towing vessels inspected under Subchapter M can be found in Parts B and C of Marine Safety Manual Volume III: Marine Industry Personnel.
