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Office of External Affairs |
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| News Release |
Date: DEC. 11, 2008 |
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Coast Guard Increasing Inspections of Towing Vessels |
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HOUSTON - In an effort to improve towing vessel safety, the Coast Guard, in cooperation with recommendations proposed by the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) will increase underway boardings and inspections of towing vessels.
Regulations requiring towing vessels operators to hold a valid Coast Guard license are in place to mitigate inherent dangers of the towing industry. Recent high visibility major marine casualties involving towing vessels may have been avoided if they were manned by properly licensed operators. Throughout fall and winter 2008, Coast Guard personnel will be conducting random underway boardings of towing vessels for verification of licenses, identification of non-credentialed personnel, verification of proper rest periods, and to ensure that security measures are in place in accordance with MTSA. The boardings are intended to be short in duration to minimize interruption, however when unsafe conditions are discovered Coast Guard personnel will address them appropriately. For questions or concerns please contact LCDR Michael Lendvay at (713) 671- 2155. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
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