Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe The NTSB has issued a safety alert to help mariners improve their chances of survival when abandoning ship. This safety alert stems from the investigation report "Personal Abandonment of Weather-Damaged US Liftboat Trinity II, with Loss of Life, Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico on September 8, 2011." The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/NTSBAlert.pdf Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:56:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a new safety alert that addresses inappropriate navigation lights that fail to meet the criteria for use onboard any vessel. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/NavLights.pdf Thu, 23 May 2013 13:50:00 CST The Coast Guard extended the comment period for the notice of proposed rulemaking published March 22, 2013 entitled Transportation Worker Identification Credential Reader Requirements. 78 FR 27335 extends the comment period 30 days. Comments and related material must now be submitted to the docket by June 20, 2013. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/default/TWICExtFR.pdf Mon, 20 May 2013 08:50:00 CST The ten most frequently observed towing vessel deficiencies have been posted on the "Handouts" page in the "Outreach" section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/Handouts/Top10DefsMay2013.pdf Thu, 16 May 2013 08:37:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a corrected version of the safety alert that addresses the use of surge protective devices onboard vessels. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:05:00 CST A new FAQ have been posted regarding the course of action that should be taken if a non-documented UTV is suspected of being at least five net tons. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the "Credentials, Documents and Records" section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp#B Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 CST The 2012 TVNCOE Snapshot brochure has been posted on the "Handouts" page in the "Outreach" section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/Handouts/2012Snapshot.pdf Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:15:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a new safety alert that addresses the use of surge protective devices onboard vessels. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf Tue, 22 Apr 2013 14:05:00 CST The Coast Guard published a solicitation notice in the Federal Register on Friday April 05, 2013 (78 FR 20684) seeking applications from qualified candidates seeking consideration for appointment as public members to the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC). TSAC advises the Coast Guard on matters relating to shallow-draft inland and coastal waterway navigation and towing safety. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/default/TSACNotice.pdf Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:22:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a new safety alert that addresses counterfeit portable fire extinguishers. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/CounterfeitExtinguishers.pdf Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:56:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a new safety alert that addresses bow riding in heavy weather. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/BowRiding.pdf Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:55:00 CST The Designated Federal Officer for the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) has issued a TSAC Fact Sheet, a list of current task statements being worked on by TSAC and a Federal Register listing TSAC committee meetings. All TSAC subcommittees are open and available for any and all members of the public and industry to participate on. Interested parties are encouraged to simply send their name and contact info to the respective subcommittee Chair and request to be included on meeting notifications, e-mail discussions, etc. Public review and comment is desired on any work products of the TSAC committee. The next TSAC meeting is in New York City next week, March 20-22, 2013. You can find more information on the TVNCOE homepage under What's New. http://www.uscg.mil/TVNCOE/ Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:27:00 CST Coast Guard policy letter CG CVC-Policy Letter 13-01 regarding interim guidance for revised MARPOL Annex V implementation has been posted in the Policy and Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/CVCPolicyLtr2013.pdf Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:02:00 CST The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has issued guidance for detecting counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts and publications. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/default/UKHOGuide.pdf Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:32:00 CST The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has issued a press release about counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts and publications. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/default/CounterfeitChartsPR.pdf Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:31:00 CST New FAQs have been posted regarding assistance towing vessels and the Coast Guard's Towing Vessel Bridging Program. The FAQs can be found under FAQs in the "Other" section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp#k Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:40:00 CST A Coast Guard policy letter regarding guidance for ballast water regulations has been posted in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/pol04-06.pdf Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:40:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding applicability of Stability Letter operational conditions on UTVs. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Credentials, Documents & Records section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:02:00 CST A policy letter that provides guidance on granting 30 day unescorted access extensions to individuals awaiting issuance and activation of a TWIC has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/TWICExtPolicyLetter19DECD12.pdf Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:15:00 CST The Coast Guard has issued a new safety alert that addresses the location of fire suppression system pressure switches aboard vessels. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/PressureSwitch.pdf Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:45:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding fire hoses and nozzles. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Fire Fighting, Protection & Suppression Equipment section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:30:00 CST The National Maritime Center has issued revised policy guidance for issuance of STCW endorsements as Chief Engineer to qualifying DDEs. The policy guidance also contains information on a separate, yet related issue regarding compliance with Canadian Marine Personnel Regulations. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/dde.pdf Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:50:00 CST The National Maritime Center has issued policy guidance for issuance of STCW endorsements as Chief Engineer to qualifying DDEs. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/dde.pdf Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:20:00 CST Compliance with Canadian Marine Personnel Regulations. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/msib/CanadianCrewMSIB.pdf Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:58:00 CST A new policy letter that provides guidance on implementing the international convention on the control of harmful anti-fouling systems has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/AntiFoulingSystems12-08.pdf Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:15:00 CST A new policy letter for vessels and mariners subject STCW that provides guidance on issuing endorsements other than security endorsements and approving training has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/STCWTraining.pdf Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:10:00 CST A new policy letter for vessels and mariners subject STCW that provides guidance on hours of rest has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/STCWHours_of_Rest.pdf Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:08:00 CST A new policy letter for vessels and mariners subject STCW that provides guidance on security endorsements has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/STCWSecurity.pdf Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:05:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding expiration of examination decals. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Vessel Particulars section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:55:00 CST Revised MARPOL Annex V will enter into force 1 January, 2013. http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/Garbage/Documents/201%2862%29.pdf Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:05:00 CST Mustang Survival has issued a new safety alert for certain Hydrostatic Inflatable PFDs they manufactured during April and May 2012. The safety alert can be found in the Safety Alert section within Policy and Guidance. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/09-12-mustangAlert.pdf Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:25:00 CST A new policy letter to clarify the implementation requirements for lock-out valves and odorizing units on new or altered installations of total flooding carbon dioxide systems has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/CG-ENG-04-12.pdf Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:25:00 CST The Courses page has been updated and now contains the fiscal year 2013 Uninspected Towing Vessel Examiner Course dates. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Courses.asp Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:15:00 CST The Examiner & Boarding Officer Tools page has been updated with the latest edition of the United States Coast Guard Requirements for Uninspected Towing Vessels guidebook which is Change 3 and dated July 2012. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/documents/toolbag/UTVGUIDEBOOK.pdf Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:25:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding reissuance of an uninspected towing vessel examination decal after a re-exam. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Vessel Particulars section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:10:00 CST The 43 Maritime Authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign with the purpose to ensure compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-2/ Construction - fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction arrangements on board vessels. This inspection campaign will be held for three months, 1 September 2012 through 30 November 2012. Further details can be found in Marine Inspection Notice 06-12. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/default/MIN0612.pdf Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:25:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding decal removal requirements after selling an uninspected towing vessel. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Vessel Particulars section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:05:00 CST Sector Upper Mississippi River phase 2 towing vessel bridging program announcement. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/msib/UMRMSIB0312.pdf Mon, 23 Jul 2012 13:50:00 CST A new policy letter about design criteria for natural gas fuel systems has been posted on the Policy Letter page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/DesignCriteriaForNaturalGasFuelSystems.pdf Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:35:00 CST The Coast Guard is seeking applications from towing safety professionals and the public to fill five vacancies on the Towing Safety Advisory Committee that expire or become vacant on September 30, 2012. More information can be found on our website homepage under the "What's New" section. http://uscg.mil/tvncoe/ Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:25:00 CST Servicing of Shipboard CO2 Fire Suppression Systems http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/SafetyNoticeFireServicing.pdf Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:05:00 CST Moving Hazards Aboard Uninspected Towing Vessels http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/safetyalerts/SafetyNoticeYellowZone.pdf Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:02:00 CST You can now receive email notifications by subscribing to our mailing list. Information about the email list and how to subscribe can be found on our website homepage under the "What's New" section. http://uscg.mil/tvncoe/ Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:20:00 CST The Eight Coast Guard District has issued a press release regarding the schedule to begin phase 2 of the Towing Vessel Bridging Program. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Images/default/D8P2PressRelease.jpg Wed, 09 May 2012 15:05:00 CST 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. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/documents/toolbag/07-10T.pdf Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:40:00 CST The Courses page has been updated and now contains the procedure to request a convening of an exportable UTV Examiner course in your area. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Courses.asp Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:50:00 CST 8th Coast Guard District interim guidance for managing work site exclusions and work boats. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/D8WSEPolLtr.pdf Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:20:00 CST Employment of Non-U.S. Credentialed Personnel Onboard Certain U.S. Documented Vessels. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/msib/MSIB9_12.pdf Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding issuing a Captain of the Port Order and or a CG 835 to a towing vessel. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Notes, Recommendations and or Descrepancies section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:10:00 CST A new policy letter about visual examination in lieu of hydrostatic testing for clean agent preengineered fixed fire supression system cylinders has been posted on the Policy Letters page in the Policy & Guidance section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/MIN2-12.pdf Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:52:00 CST The 2011 TVNCOE Snapshot brochure has been posted on the "Handouts" page in the "Outreach" section. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/Handouts/2011Snapshot.pdf Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:15:00 CST 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. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Comments.asp Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:25:00 CST An AIS Encoding Guide has been issued by the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/links/AIS.EncodingGuide.pdf Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 CST A FAQ has been posted regarding the difference between "USCG Approved" and "Listed by Independent Testing Laboratory" fire detection systems. The FAQ can be found under FAQs in the Fire Fighting, Protection & Suppression Equipment section. http://uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/FAQS.asp Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:25:00 CST The US Coast Guard has issued guidance for implementing the 2010 STCW amendments which includes hours of rest and security-related training. This guidance is effective immediately. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/STCWAmend.pdf Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST Processing of Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) for mariners not requiring a Transportation Worker Indentification Credential (TWIC). http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/policyletters/MMCTWICPOL_11-15.pdf Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:50:00 CST Moving hazards aboard uninspected towing vessels. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/msib/SecUMRmsib0411.pdf Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:45:00 CST Tonnage interpretations for GMDSS application. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/gmdss/taskForce/Tonnage_Interpretations_for_GMDSS.pdf Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 CST Mustang PFD recall. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/MSAMustangSurvivalPFDRecall.pdf Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 CST Dangers of working around moving machinery. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/MovingMachinery.pdf Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:15:00 CST