Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE)

What We Can Do For You

• Gather, organize and provide statistical information.
• Foster dialog between the Coast Guard and industry - Events.
• Research towing vessel issues - FAQs.
• Help ensure high level of consistency through training and policy guidance - Courses.
• Train towing vessel examiners - Courses.
• Provide onsite assistance - Contact Us.

What's New

NEWThe Eight Coast Guard District has issued a press release regarding the schedule to begin phase 2 of the Towing Vessel Bridging Program.

Furuno Service Advisory #07-10T, dated June 9, 2010, which list Furuno radars compliant with 2010 USCG/DOT Regulations for towing vessels under 300 Gross Tons has been added to the Examiner & Boarding Officer Tools page.

The Courses page has been updated and now contains the procedure to request a convening of an exportable UTV Examiner course in your area.

The 8th Coast Guard District has issued Policy Letter 03-2011 providing interim guidance for managing work site exclusions and work boats. The policy letter can be found in the Policy Letter section within Policy and Guidance.

There is a new Marine Safety Information Bulletin about employment of non-U.S. credentialed personnel onboard certain U.S. documented Vessels. The MSIB can be found in the MSIB section within Policy and Guidance.

There is a new Fequently Asked Question about issuing a Captain of the Port Order and or a CG-835 to a towing vessel. The guidance can be found on the “FAQs” page in the "Notes, Recommendations, and/or Descrepancies" section.

There is a new policy letter about visual examination in lieu of hydrostatic testing for clean agent pre-engineered fixed fire supression system cylinders posted on the "Policy Letters" page in the "Policy & Guidance" section.

The 2011 TVNCOE Snapshot brochure has been posted on the "Handouts" page in the "Outreach" section.

A new page has been added to the website called "Comments/Feedback." It is a form which allows customers to communicate directly with the TVNCOE. The form allows submissions to be made anonymously or contact information can be left if the submitter would like to be contacted by a TVNCOE representative.