Update: Public Forum on Coast Guards Towing Industry Safety Regulations

New Orleans Riverside Hilton September 9, 2011

The long anticipated proposed rule to make towing vessels subject to Coast Guard inspections was finally revealed on August 11. This is a very complex set of regulations which will change the face of the towing industry forever. The proposed regulation has a comment period which ends on December 9, 2011. The Coast Guard will then evaluate comments received, make changes as they see appropriate, and publish a final rule with an effective date.

The Coast Guard is counting on industry’s comments whether they are in favor of the regulations or not. Kevin Gilheany of Maritime Compliance International, LLC is hosting a free public forum in New Orleans at the Riverside Hilton on Friday, September 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Grand Salon C. At this public forum, industry members will learn what’s included in the proposed regulation, and the difference between a voluntary safety management system and one required by regulation. Many questions will be discussed such as: What’s the role of a third party organization, auditor or surveyor? What are the new requirements for training, construction standards, acceptable repairs, manning, stability, and health and safety plans? Also to be discussed is how do OSHA regulations fit in, and which vessels will be excepted from certain requirements and why.

Attendees will get answers to many of their questions as well as an opportunity to have their questions and comments posted to the docket for Coast Guard headquarters to respond to. Towing industry personnel who do not have the time to read the 76 pages of regulations, or to comment on the docket, should not miss this opportunity to join in the discussion and have their voice heard. For more information, go to www.maritimecomplianceinternational.com and click on public seminars. The forum is free, and open to all, but seating is limited. To register, simply email [email protected].

Kevin Gilheany is a maritime industry consultant and speaker, a retired U.S. Coast Guard marine inspector, certified auditor, marine surveyor and crew endurance management expert. Through his company, Maritime Compliance International, LLC, Kevin works with companies to achieve operational excellence through leadership and compliance. He can be reached at [email protected].