46 CFR 136.130: Options for documenting compliance for a COI
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets out two options for documenting compliance with this subchapter to obtain a COI: the Coast Guard option and the TSMS option. The Coast Guard issues the COI under either option. The owner or managing operator must specify the option for each vessel on the application.
Applies toOwners and managing operators of towing vessels seeking a Certificate of Inspection (COI) under this subchapter.
What it says
There are two options for documenting compliance with this subchapter to obtain a COI: the Coast Guard option and the TSMS option.
46 CFR 136.130(a)“There are two options for documenting compliance with the requirements in this subchapter to obtain a COI:”
Under the Coast Guard option, the Coast Guard conducts all inspections of the towing vessel, as discussed in § 136.210 and parts 137 and 140 through 144 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 136.130(a)(1)“the Coast Guard option, in which all inspections of the towing vessel are conducted by the Coast Guard, as discussed in § 136.210 and parts 137 and 140 through 144 of this subchapter”
The TSMS option is discussed in § 136.210 and in parts 137 through 144 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 136.130(a)(2)“The TSMS option, as discussed in § 136.210, and in parts 137 through 144 of this subchapter.”
Whichever option is chosen, the Coast Guard is responsible for issuing a towing vessel COI, and it may board a vessel at any time to verify compliance and take appropriate action.
46 CFR 136.130(b)“the Coast Guard is responsible for issuing a towing vessel COI, and may board a vessel at any time to verify compliance and take appropriate action.”
An owner or managing operator choosing the Coast Guard option may use a management system, vessel operations manual, towing vessel record (TVR), or logbook to meet this subchapter's recordkeeping requirements.
46 CFR 136.130(c)“may use a management system, vessel operations manual, towing vessel record (TVR), or logbook to meet this subchapter's recordkeeping requirements.”
When applying for inspection, the owner or managing operator must specify on the application which option he or she chooses for each particular towing vessel.
46 CFR 136.130(d)“the owner or managing operator must specify on the application which option he or she chooses for each particular towing vessel.”
A request to change options during the period of validity of an existing COI must come with an application to the OCMI for a new COI.
46 CFR 136.130(e)“Requests to change options during the period of validity of an existing COI must be accompanied by an application to the OCMI for a new COI.”
Common questions
Can I choose different compliance options for different vessels in my fleet?
Yes. Owners or managing operators may choose different options for the individual vessels within their fleets.
“Owners or managing operators may choose different options for the individual vessels within their fleets.”
Can the Coast Guard board my towing vessel if I choose the TSMS option?
Yes. Regardless of the option chosen, the Coast Guard may board a vessel at any time to verify compliance and take appropriate action.
“Regardless of the option chosen, the Coast Guard is responsible for issuing a towing vessel COI, and may board a vessel at any time”
How do I change my compliance option after I have a COI?
Your request must be accompanied by an application to the OCMI for a new COI. If the requirements for the new option are met, the OCMI will issue a new COI.
“If the requirements for the new option are met, the OCMI will issue the vessel a new COI.”
The text of 46 CFR 136.130
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Options for documenting compliance to obtain a Certificate of Inspection
(a) There are two options for documenting compliance with the requirements in this subchapter to obtain a COI:
(1) The Coast Guard option, in which all inspections of the towing vessel are conducted by the Coast Guard, as discussed in § 136.210 and parts 137 and 140 through 144 of this subchapter; or
(2) The TSMS option, as discussed in § 136.210, and in parts 137 through 144 of this subchapter.
(b) Regardless of the option chosen, the Coast Guard is responsible for issuing a towing vessel COI, and may board a vessel at any time to verify compliance and take appropriate action.
(c) An owner or managing operator choosing the Coast Guard option may use a management system, vessel operations manual, towing vessel record (TVR), or logbook to meet this subchapter's recordkeeping requirements.
(d) When submitting an application for inspection, the owner or managing operator must specify on the application which option he or she chooses for each particular towing vessel. Owners or managing operators may choose different options for the individual vessels within their fleets.
(e) Requests to change options during the period of validity of an existing COI must be accompanied by an application to the OCMI for a new COI. If the requirements for the new option are met, the OCMI will issue the vessel a new COI.
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The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.