On May 2, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed its review of the Subchapter M draft final rule.
Officially called the "Inspection of Towing Vessels," the new rule will implement a program of inspection for certification of towing vessels, which were previously uninspected. It would also prescribe standards for safety management systems and third-party auditors and surveyors, along with standards for construction, operation, vessel systems, safety equipment, and recordkeeping.
The draft final rule has been returned to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Coast Guard for final editing prior to its publication in the Federal Register. It is expected to be published in late May.
