The Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee and its subcommittees will meet in Houston, Texas, March 6-8, 2018, to discuss committee matters relating to the safe and secure marine transportation of hazardous materials. These meetings will be open to the public.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 2/8/2018: Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee meeting

The Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise posted on its website Feb. 2, 2018, that the Coast Guard approved Meridian Global Consulting, LLC as a third-party organization to carry out certain functions in accordance with Subchapter M.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 2/6/2018: Meridian Global Consulting, LLC, approved as third-party organization under Subchapter M

Coast Guard members will be participating in several panel sessions during the LNG & Alternative Fuels Symposium in Seattle, Feb. 8, 2018. Maritime Commons will bring post-conference coverage to our readers who are unable to attend and we invite you […] Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 2/2/2018: Coast Guard members speaking at LNG & Alternative Fuels Symposium

From the desk of Capt. Matt Edwards, chief, Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance On July 20, 2018, towing vessel owners and operators will be responsible for ensuring that their vessels comply with the provisions of 46 CFR Subchapter M. As […] Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 2/2/2018: Don’t wait to schedule your towing vessel’s initial COI inspection

The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register a proposal to establish two new anchorage areas to be known as Carleton Island Anchorage and Tibbetts Point Anchorage.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 2/2/2018: Public comment period open on two proposed Saint Lawrence Seaway anchorages

Rear Admiral John Nadeau, assistant commandant for prevention policy, testified Jan. 30, 2018, before the House Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, during a hearing titled, “Examination of Reports on the El Faro Marine Casualty.” Testifying alongside Nadeau were the Hon. Earl Weener, board member, National Transportation Safety Board, and Mr. Brian Curtis, with NTSB’s Office of Marine Safety.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 2/1/2018: Summary of Congressional testimony regarding El Faro reports

The Coast Guard posted a Federal Register notice requesting individuals interested in serving on the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), Eastern Great Lakes, and the four regional sub-committees submit applications by Feb. 28, 2018.
Source: Federal Register Notices
Link: 1/29/2018: Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee, Eastern Great Lakes and regional sub-committee vacancies

The Coast Guard released the May-December 2017 edition of Proceedings Magazine, “Game Changers: Turning the Tide on Maritime Challenges.”
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 1/24/2018: Latest issue of Proceedings Magazine now available online

NOAD Schema 3.4 is missing required information fields and will no longer be supported. Any submitted NOAD form utilizing Schema 3.4 after the retirement date will be rejected.
Source: Investigations & Casualty Analysis
Link: 1/23/2018: Notice of Arrival and Departure Schema 3.4 to be discontinued

To keep our readers informed as the towing vessel industry continues to move toward full compliance with Subchapter M requirements, the Coast Guard will begin sharing Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise’s TPO approval announcements on Maritime Commons.
Source: Domestic Vessels
Link: 1/22/2018: Announcements of approved Third Party Organizations to be shared on Maritime Commons