46 CFR 139.120: Application for approval as a TPO
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section explains how an organization applies to be approved as a TPO under this part. The organization must submit a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise. The request must include the information listed in paragraphs (a) through (q).
Applies toAn organization, which may include a business entity or an association, desiring to be approved as a TPO under this part.
What it says
An organization that wants TPO approval must submit a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise at the address given in the text.
“must submit a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise, 504 Broadway St Suite 101, Paducah, KY 42001.”
The organization must describe its past work, noting the amount and extent of work performed within the previous 3 years.
46 CFR 139.120(c)“noting the amount and extent of such work performed within the previous 3 years.”
The organization must provide objective evidence of an internal quality system based on ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 or an equivalent quality standard.
46 CFR 139.120(d)“Objective evidence of an internal quality system based on ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) or an equivalent quality standard.”
The organization must list its auditors and/or surveyors who meet the requirements of § 139.130, including the experience, background, and qualifications of each.
46 CFR 139.120(i)“A list of the organization's auditors and/or surveyors who meet the requirements of § 139.130.”
The organization must include a statement that the Coast Guard may inspect its facilities and records and may accompany auditors and/or surveyors in performing duties related to the requested approval.
46 CFR 139.120(n)“A statement that the Coast Guard may inspect the organization's facilities and records and may accompany auditors and/or surveyors”
The organization must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
46 CFR 139.120(o)“Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.”
The organization must state that it, its managers, and employees engaged in audits and/or surveys are not, and will not be, involved in activities that could result in a conflict of interest or limit independent judgment.
46 CFR 139.120(p)“are not, and will not be involved in any activities which could result in a conflict of interest or otherwise limit the independent judgment”
Common questions
Where do I send an application for TPO approval?
The organization must send a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise, 504 Broadway St Suite 101, Paducah, KY 42001.
“must submit a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise, 504 Broadway St Suite 101, Paducah, KY 42001.”
Who can apply to be a TPO?
An organization may apply, and the text says it may include a business entity or an association.
“An organization, which may include a business entity or an association, desiring to be approved as a TPO under this part”
What quality system evidence does a TPO applicant need?
The applicant must provide objective evidence of an internal quality system based on ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 or an equivalent quality standard.
“Objective evidence of an internal quality system based on ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) or an equivalent quality standard.”
The text of 46 CFR 139.120
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Application for approval as a TPO
An organization, which may include a business entity or an association, desiring to be approved as a TPO under this part must submit a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise, 504 Broadway St Suite 101, Paducah, KY 42001. The organization must provide the following information:
(a) A description of the organization, including the ownership, structure, and organizational components.
(b) A general description of the clients being served or intended to be served.
(c) A description of the types of work performed by the organization or by the principals of the organization in the past, noting the amount and extent of such work performed within the previous 3 years.
(d) Objective evidence of an internal quality system based on ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) or an equivalent quality standard.
(e) Organization procedures and supporting documentation that describe processes used to perform an audit and records to show system effectiveness.
(f) Copies of checklists, forms, or other tools to be used as guides or for recording the results of audits and/or surveys.
(g) Organization procedures for appeals and grievances.
(h) The organization's code of ethics applicable to the organization and its auditors and/or surveyors.
(i) A list of the organization's auditors and/or surveyors who meet the requirements of § 139.130. This list must include the experience, background, and qualifications for each auditor and/or surveyor.
(j) A description of the organization's means of assuring continued competence of its personnel.
(k) The organization's procedures for terminating or removing auditors and/or surveyors.
(l) A description of the organization's means of assuring the availability of its personnel to meet the needs of the towing companies for conducting audits and surveys within the intervals established in this subchapter.
(m) A description of the organization's apprentice or associate program for auditors and/or surveyors.
(n) A statement that the Coast Guard may inspect the organization's facilities and records and may accompany auditors and/or surveyors in the performance of duties related to the requested approval.
(o) Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
(p) A statement that the organization, its managers, and employees engaged in audits and/or surveys are not, and will not be involved in any activities which could result in a conflict of interest or otherwise limit the independent judgment of the auditor and/or surveyor or organization.
(q) Any additional information that the applicant deems pertinent.
Sections it refers to
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.