Coast Guard issues first COI

The Coast Guard issued its very first certificate of inspection (COI) under the Subchapter M requirements that set new rules for the inspection, standards and safety policies of towing vessels. The COI was issued to Marine Towing of Tampa, Fla.'s 90-foot tug Endeavor on April 20. Endeavor assists and escorts vessel throughout Tampa Bay. With the first COI under Subchapter M, Endeavor leads the way for more than 5,500 vessels that will need to be certified under the new rules. All U.S flagged towing vessels are required to comply with the provisions of 46 CFR Subchapter M by July 20, 2018. There is a phase-in period for issuance of the COI. (Source: Marine Link 04/20/18) Gulf Coast Maritime Note: Endeavor was built in 2000 by Halter Marine of Lockport, La.