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Update to CG CVC-WI-013(8) Towing Vessel Inspections Under TSMS Option and Creation of CVC-WI-038(1) Subchapter M Third-Party Organization (TPO) Guidance

June 1, 2026

The Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) has published an update to CG CVC-WI-013(8) Towing Vessel Inspections Under TSMS Option. This update provides further clarity to the inspection, certification, and issuance of deficiencies to towing vessels inspected under the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) Option specified within 46 CFR Subchapter M. CG CVC Policy Letter 17-10 Deficiency Recording and Reporting for Vessels using a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option, dated November 28, 2017, as a standalone policy is cancelled but has been incorporated as an enclosure, with updates, into this work instruction.

Additionally, CVC Policy Letter 17-04 Ch.2 - Subchapter M Third-Party Organization (TPO) Guidance, has been cancelled and converted into a new CVC Work Instruction format, re-numbered CVC-WI-038(1). 

The full list of Policy Letters and Work Instructions can be viewed on the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) website

For information about this document, email the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC) via CGCVC@uscg.mil or FlagStateControl@uscg.mil

A copy of this WI and all Coast Guard CVC Policy documents can be found here.

 


 

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.