What We Can Do For You
- Foster dialog between the Coast Guard and towing vessel stakeholders.
- Help ensure consistent regulatory application through towing vessel training and guidance.
- Provide towing vessel inspection support.
- Gather, organize, and provide statistical information.
What's New
08/05/2019: The Coast Guard has approved Inland Towing Operators Working Together (ITOW) as a third-party organization (TPO) to carry out certain functions in accordance with Subchapter M. A complete list of all nine Coast Guard approved TPOs can be found on the Coast Guard Approved TPOs webpage.
05/09/2019: As a reminder, on or before July 22, 2019, owners and managing operators of Subchapter M towing vessels must implement a Health and Safety Plan (HSP) and the associated recordkeeping procedures regardless of whether or not the vessel has been issued a Certificate of Inspection (COI). Requirements include general health and safety procedures, identification and mitigation of health and safety hazards, and health and safety training for crewmembers and non-crewmembers. There is no requirement to submit the HSP to the Coast Guard or a TPO for approval; however, the HSP is subject to review during inspections and audits. Minimum health and safety requirements can be found in 46 CFR Part 140 Subpart E and TugSafe Central.
04/09/2019: The Third-Party Organization webpage has been updated to reflect current auditor/assessor courses recognized by the Coast Guard as equivalent to an ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 or ISO 9001:2008(E) lead auditor/assessor course for the purposes of 46 CFR 138.310(d)(2) and 46 CFR 139.130(b)(3).