U.S. Coast Guard releases final rule for Subchapter M

摘要

In a rulemaking process that spanned more than a decade, the U.S. Coast Guard has published its highly anticipated Final Rule on Inspection of Towing Vessels under 46 C.F.R. Subchapter M. The rule, which establishes certain safety requirements and an inspection regime for an estimated 5,509 U.S.-flag towing vessels that operate along the Mississippi River system, and U.S. inland and coastal waterways in the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific and Great Lakes, becomes effective on July 20, 2016. The Subchapter M also specifies a safety management system (SMS) compliance option for towing vessel owners and operators and creates many new requirements for operations, equipment, design, and construction of towing vessels. Existing towing vessels will have up to two years before having to comply with many of the new requirements of the Final Rule.