(a) The owner or managing operator of a towing vessel that has selected the TSMS option and who has chosen to demonstrate compliance through an external survey program must:

(1) Have the vessel surveyed annually by a surveyor from a TPO;

(2) Ensure the survey is conducted in accordance with §137.215;

(3) Ensure the survey is conducted within 3 months of the anniversary date of the COI;

(4) Ensure the TSMS applicable to the vessel includes policies and procedures for complying with this section; and

(5) Make the applicable sections of the TSMS available to the surveyor.

(b) The TPO must issue a report that meets the requirements in §137.135.