The Coast Guard has actually replied to a recent request by the American Waterways Operators asking that it put on hold in-person Subchapter M examination tasks for a minimum of one month, for the shared defense of both lugging vessel crewmembers and also Coast Guard assessors throughout the coronavirus break out.
In a letter to AWO President and also Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Carpenter, Coast Guard Rear Admiral Richard Timme, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, states:
“It is our intent to remain to promote the maritime market’s capability to guarantee our residential supply chain proceeds continuous. Commercial vessel conformity tasks should, to the most safe level feasible, proceed in order to secure the Marine Transportation System and also stop excessive hold-ups currently and also in the future.
“The Coast Guard will apply maximum flexibility and creative solutions during this national emergency to balance our regulatory framework with the unique challenges of contingency operations at a national level. Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may use innovative inspection techniques to verify vessel compliance, and if needed, defer inspections.”
He includes that Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 09-20 dated March 26, 2020, offers extra details consisting of advice to 3rd party companies to make use of throughout this acting duration.
