ABYC publishes USCG regulations for towing vessels
In June 2016 the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) published new requirements for the design, construction, onboard equipment and operation of towing vessels and the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Certification of Inspection, which are incorporated into Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as the new Subchapter M. To support and outline compliance requirements, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has published “Regulations for Towing Vessels, Excerpts from CFR Title 46 Subchapter M.”
ABYC’s publication includes applicable ABYC standards which are approved as an alternative compliance solution for new towing vessels 65 feet or less in length.
“Utilization of ABYC standards within the commercial and workboat side of the marine industry is nothing new,” said ABYC President John Adey. “The recent addition of using ABYC standards for Subchapter M compliance is just one more compelling reason to look into the use of ABYC compliance for your commercial needs.”
The publication includes the following referenced ABYC standards:
- E-11 (2003) – AC& DC Electrical Systems
- H-2 (2000) – Ventilation of Boating Using Gasoline
- H-22 (2005) – Electric Bilge Pump Systems
- H-24 (2007) – Gasoline Fuel Systems
- H-25 (2003) – Portable Gasoline Fuel Systems
- H-32 (2004) – Ventilation of Boating Using Diesel Fuel
- H-33 (2005) – Diesel Fuel Systems
- P-1 (2002) – Installation of Exhaust systems for Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines
- P-4 (2004) – Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions
“Not only are most of the ABYC standards written around simple, in-house testing and compliance verification, they are minimal, common-sense documents composed with the ultimate goal of crew safety in mind,” said Adey.
“Regulations for Towing Vessels” can be purchased online at www.abycinc.org/publications. Visit ABYC booth #3468 at the International Workboat Show for a show special of $99.95.
