Ask the MSSC—You have questions. We have answers from the USCG Marine Safety and Security Council.

I would like to see an update on the Towing Safety Advisory Committee. What has been accomplished? What is the path forward? Are there going to be third-party inspectors? How would an organization become approved to be an inspector or auditor?

Answered by the USCG Office of Operating and Environmental Standards.


TSAC updates the public on its activities via its website at http://homeport.uscg.mil/tsac. The site contains background information as well as past meeting minutes, a current members list, task statements (past and present), recommendations the committee has made to the Coast Guard, and notices of future meetings.

The “path forward” is embodied in the committee’s current efforts to provide recommendations for the new towing vessel inspection regulations, the revision of NVIC 4-01 regarding licensing and manning for officers of towing vessels, and clarification on the apprentice mate (steersman) license.