33 CFR 164.80: Towing vessel tests, inspections, and voyage planning

(a) The owner, master, or operator of each towing vessel of less than 1,600 GT shall ensure that the following tests and inspections of gear occur before the vessel embarks on a voyage of more than 24 hours or when each new master or operator assumes command:

(1) Steering-systems. A test of the steering-gear-control system; a test of the main steering gear from the alternative power supply, if installed; a verification of the rudder-angle indicator relative to the actual position of the rudder; and a visual inspection of the steering gear and its linkage.

(2) Navigational equipment. A test of all installed navigational equipment.

(3) Communications. Operation of all internal vessel control communications and vessel-control alarms, if installed.

(4) Lights. Operation of all navigational lights and all searchlights.

(5) Terminal gear. Visual inspection of tackle; of connections of bridle and towing pendant, if applicable; of chafing gear; and of the winch brake, if installed.

(6) Propulsion systems. Visual inspection of the spaces for main propulsion machinery, of machinery, and of devices for monitoring machinery.

(b) The owner, master, or operator of each towing vessel of 1,600 GT or more shall ensure that the following tests of equipment occur at the frequency required by § 164.25 and that the following inspections of gear occur before the vessel embarks on a voyage of more than 24 hours or when each new master or operator assumes command:

(1) Navigational equipment. Tests of onboard equipment as required by § 164.25.

(2) Terminal gear. Visual inspection of tackle; of connections of bridle and towing pendant, if applicable; of chafing gear; and of the winch brake, if installed.

(c)(1) The voyage-planning requirements outlined in this section do not apply to you if your towing vessel is—

(i) Used solely for any of the following services or any combination of these services—

(A) Within a limited geographic area, such as a fleeting-area for barges or a commercial facility, and used for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows;

(B) For harbor-assist;

(C) For assistance towing as defined by 46 CFR 10.103;

(D) For response to emergency or pollution;

(ii) A public vessel that is both owned, or demise chartered, and operated by the United States Government or by a government of a foreign country; and that is not engaged in commercial service;

(iii) A foreign vessel engaged in innocent passage; or

(iv) Exempted by the Captain of the Port (COTP).

(2) If you think your towing vessel should be exempt from these voyage planning requirements for a specified route, you should submit a written request to the appropriate COTP. The COTP will provide you with a written response granting or denying your request.

(3) If any part of a towing vessel's intended voyage is seaward of the baseline (i.e., the shoreward boundary) of the territorial sea of the U.S., then the owner, master, or operator of the vessel, employed to tow a barge or barges, must ensure that the voyage with the barge or barges is planned, taking into account all pertinent information before the vessel embarks on the voyage. The master must check the planned route for proximity to hazards before the voyage begins. During a voyage, if a decision is made to deviate substantially from the planned route, then the master or mate must plan the new route before deviating from the planned route. The voyage plan must follow company policy and consider the following (related requirements noted in parentheses):

(i) Applicable information from nautical charts and publications (also see paragraph (b) of section 164.72), including Coast Pilot, Coast Guard Light List, and Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners for the port of departure, all ports of call, and the destination;

(ii) Current and forecast weather, including visibility, wind, and sea state for the port of departure, all ports of call, and the destination (also see paragraphs (a)(7) of section 164.78 and (b) of section 164.82);

(iii) Data on tides and currents for the port of departure, all ports of call, and the destination, and the river stages and forecast, if appropriate;

(iv) Forward and after drafts of the barge or barges and under-keel and vertical clearances (air-gaps) for all bridges, ports, and berthing areas;

(v) Pre-departure checklists;

(vi) Calculated speed and estimated time of arrival at proposed waypoints;

(vii) Communication contacts at any Vessel Traffic Services, bridges, and facilities, and any port-specific requirements for VHF radio;

(viii) Any master's or operator's standing orders detailing closest points of approach, special conditions, and critical maneuvers; and

(ix) Whether the towing vessel has sufficient power to control the tow under all foreseeable circumstances.