1 A Bridge to Inspection… CDR Lee Boone Chief, Domestic Vessel Division Mr. Patrick Lee Towing Vessel, National Program Coordinator

2 Towing Vessel Bridging Why do we need a bridge?

Regulatory Project Subchapter “M” Under Construction 3 USCG DHS

Partners 4 American Waterways Operators Ingram Higman Marine DeLoach Marine Kirby Channel Shipyard JB Marine American Commercial Lines Wepfer Marine Allied Foss Marathon Oil Upper River Services Rushing Marine Services Canal Barge K-Sea Great Lakes Group Bay-Houston Towing The Action Group Companies

5 Towing Vessel Bridging Outreach, Education, and Qualification Industry Initiated Exams Risk Based Exams Surge Ops Law Enforcement Boardings Elements of the Program

Guiding Principles The purpose of this program is to ease the towing vessel industry’s transition from an uninspected to an inspected regime. Coast Guard personnel shall engage the towing vessel industry in the spirit of partnership during this transition to inspection and certification. In all encounters with the towing industry our approach will be measured, professional, and, to the greatest degree possible, in the spirit of cooperation, while ultimately ensuring compliance with applicable safety, security, and environmental protection regulations. 6

7 Towing Vessel Bridging Feedback we received… Training! Policy! Spot Checks? Simplify Risk Factors Let us help! Resources?

8 Towing Vessel Bridging – Current Plan A phased approach… Phase 1 Outreach & Education Industry Initiated Exams Testing of Risk Tool Phase 2 Risk Based Exams Development of Formal Training Phase 3 COI Issuance Priority Ordering Formal Training Summer months later Subchapter “M” Published

What is Towing Vessel Outreach, Orientation and Indoctrination? This program is designed to complete two goals… Goal one is to – Create an effective towing vessel industry orientation and indoctrination program for all new Coast Guard personnel assigned to Towing Vessel Examinations billets.

Goal two Create an outreach program designed to effectively communicate the Towing Vessel Bridging Program to all members of the towing industry and Coast Guard

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Where can I find all this stuff? All info posted on Homeport - you do not need to login to obtain info - (or google "homeport") Transparency is a key compenent of the program. –TVBP Indoc, Orientation, and Outreach Workbook –TVBP message, policy memo, powerpoint, training message –UTV Exam Form, Instructions, PQS, and MISLE guidebook

Towing Vessel Bridging Program

The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE) Detachment Chief CDR Greg Case Cell – Office – (temp) National Technical Advisor LT Julie Bethke Cell – Office – (temp) Address (temporary): MSU Paducah 225 Tully Street Paducah, KY Permanent address (effective 01Oct09): USCG TVNCOE 504 Broadway, #101 Paducah, KY 42001

What is the Function/Mission of the TVNCOE? Assist in conducting inspections and examinations on towing vessels Interpret policy and provide program guidance for the towing vessel examination/inspection program Conduct outreach and develop informal partnerships with the towing industry and government stakeholders Develop, maintain, and update the curriculum for the Towing Vessel Examination/Inspection courses Facilitate the Towing Vessel Bridging Program

Where are We Currently? Building for Towing Vessel Center for Expertise –In Build-out Phase –Ready to Occupy Sep 29, Hiring 2 TVCOE Civilian Trainer/Inspectors –Should be onboard Fall/Winter 09

What is TVCOE Doing Next? Develop a Curriculum/Course for Towing Vessel Examiners Develop a Risk Based Protocol for prioritizing Phase 2 CG Scheduled Exams Develop Measures of Success to Track Progress, & Ensure Systematic Mission Improvements

Information & Downloads 22 WEBPAGE ADDRESS: Path: Missions>Domestic Vessels>Uninspected Vessels>Towing Vessels

23 Questions?