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A Bridge to Inspection…A Bridge to Inspection…

CDR Lee BooneChief, Domestic Vessel Division

george.l.boone@uscg.mil

Mr. Patrick LeeTowing Vessel, National Program Coordinator

patrick.j.lee@uscg.mil

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Towing Vessel Bridging

Why do we need a bridge?

Regulatory ProjectSubchapter “M”

Under Construction

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USCG

DHS

Partners

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American Waterways Operators

Ingram

Higman Marine

DeLoach Marine

Kirby

Channel Shipyard

JB Marine

American Commercial LinesWepfer Marine

Allied

Foss

Marathon Oil

Upper River ServicesRushing Marine Services

Canal Barge

K-SeaGreat Lakes Group

Bay-Houston Towing

The Action Group Companies

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Towing Vessel Bridging

•Outreach, Education, and Qualification

•Industry Initiated Exams

•Risk Based Exams

•Surge Ops

•Law Enforcement Boardings

Elements of the Program

Guiding PrinciplesThe purpose of this program is to ease the

towing vessel industry’s transition from an uninspected to an inspected regime.

Coast Guard personnel shall engage the towing vessel industry in the spirit of partnership during this transition to inspection and certification.

In all encounters with the towing industry our approach will be measured, professional, and, to the greatest degree possible, in the spirit of cooperation, while ultimately ensuring compliance with applicable safety, security, and environmental protection regulations.

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Towing Vessel Bridging

Feedback we received…

•Training!•Policy!•Spot Checks?•Simplify Risk Factors•Let us help!•Resources?

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Towing Vessel Bridging – Current Plan

A phased approach…

Phase 1Outreach & EducationIndustry Initiated ExamsTesting of Risk Tool

Phase 2Risk Based ExamsDevelopment of Formal Training

Phase 3COI IssuancePriority OrderingFormal Training

Summer 2009 18-24 months later

Subchapter “M”Published

What is Towing Vessel Outreach, Orientation and Indoctrination?

This program is designed to complete two goals… Goal one is to

– Create an effective towing vessel industry orientation and indoctrination program for all new Coast Guard personnel assigned to Towing Vessel Examinations billets.

Goal two

•Create an outreach program designed to effectively communicate the Towing Vessel Bridging Program to all members of the towing industry and Coast Guard

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Where can I find all this stuff?

•All info posted on Homeport- you do not need to login to obtain info- http://homeport.uscg.mil (or google "homeport")

•Transparency is a key compenent of the program.

– TVBP Indoc, Orientation, and Outreach Workbook– TVBP message, policy memo, powerpoint,

training message– UTV Exam Form, Instructions, PQS, and MISLE

guidebook

Towing Vessel Bridging Program

Towing Vessel Bridging Program

Towing Vessel Bridging Program

The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise (TVNCOE)

Detachment Chief CDR Greg CaseCell – 270-816-0693Office – 270-442-1621 (temp)

National Technical AdvisorLT Julie BethkeCell – 270-816-0694Office – 270-442-1621 (temp)

Address (temporary):MSU Paducah

225 Tully Street

Paducah, KY 42003

Permanent address (effective 01Oct09):

USCG TVNCOE504 Broadway, #101Paducah, KY 42001

What is the Function/Mission of the TVNCOE?

•Assist in conducting inspections and examinations on towing vessels

• Interpret policy and provide program guidance for the towing vessel examination/inspection program

•Conduct outreach and develop informal partnerships with the towing industry and government stakeholders

•Develop, maintain, and update the curriculum for the Towing Vessel Examination/Inspection courses

•Facilitate the Towing Vessel Bridging Program

Where are We Currently?

•Building for Towing Vessel Center for Expertise– In Build-out Phase– Ready to Occupy Sep 29, 2009.

•Hiring 2 TVCOE Civilian Trainer/Inspectors– Should be onboard Fall/Winter 09

What is TVCOE Doing Next?

•Develop a Curriculum/Course for Towing Vessel Examiners

•Develop a Risk Based Protocol for prioritizing Phase 2 CG Scheduled Exams

•Develop Measures of Success to Track Progress, & Ensure Systematic Mission Improvements

Information & Downloads

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WEBPAGE ADDRESS: https://homeport.uscg.mil

Path:Missions>Domestic Vessels>Uninspected

Vessels>Towing Vessels 

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Questions?