The following is text of a news release from Tidewater Transportation and Terminals:
(VANCOUVER, Wash.) — Tidewater Transportation and Terminals has announced that the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance and Coast Guard Sector Columbia River have issued a certificate of inspection (COI) to the towing vessel Crown Point for compliance under the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Subchapter M safety regulations governing the inspection, standards and safety management systems of towing vessels. This COI is the first issued to a West Coast (PACAREA) tugboat/towboat operator.
Crown Point is the first of three towboats built for Tidewater in 2015. Measuring 102-by-38-by-14 feet with 2,240 hp, Crown Point was specifically designed and built for the Columbia-Snake River system, and incorporates many advanced concepts to set new standards in safety and efficiency.
“We operate under a safety management system that puts the health and safety of the public, our environment, and our employees first,” said Bill Collins, director of environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S). “All of our tugs meet or exceed the increasingly stringent industry requirements for towing vessels.”
“The issuance of this COI represents a significant accomplishment by Tidewater,” said Bruce Reed, Tidewater vice president and chief operations officer. “It is a testament to the skills, dedication, and thoroughness of our marine employees, and operations and EHS&S departments.”
More than 5,500 U.S.-flagged towing vessels will need to be compliant to the new USCG regulation by July 20. The certification not only demonstrates full compliance with the Subchapter M requirements, but also shows a commitment to a more comprehensive approach to safety and environmental protection.
