StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §137.130

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
The owner or managing operator of a towing vessel choosing to use the TSMS option must implement an external or internal survey program for vessel compliance. The program for vessel compliance can be either:
  1. (a)An external survey program, in which the owner or managing operator would have a third-party organization (TPO) conduct either the surveys required by § 137.205, the examinations required by § 137.310, or both; or
  2. (b)An internal survey program, in which the owner or managing operator would conduct either the surveys required by § 137.210, the examinations required by § 137.315, or both, using internal resources or contracted surveyors. The internal survey program would be conducted with the oversight of a TPO.
  3. (c)Each program of either type must include:
    1. (1)Owner or managing operator policy regarding the surveying and examination of towing vessels;
    2. (2)Procedures for conducting towing vessel surveys and examinations, as described in this part;
    3. (3)Procedures for reporting and correcting non-conformities and deficiencies;
    4. (4)Identification of the individual or individuals responsible for the management of the program, and their qualifications; and
    5. (5)Documentation of compliance activities.