A Final Rule published June 20, 2016, set July 20, 2018, as the compliance date for all towing vessels subject to Subchapter M even if the vessel does not have a Certificate of Inspection. Towing vessels have a strong record of safe operations, so while July 20, 2018 represents a beginning of a new regulatory regime, these vessels will continue to operate safely and provide a valuable service to the nation’s economy.
Source: USCG
Link: 7/20/2018: A milestone for towing vessel safety