US Coastguard crack down on tug operators

The Coastguard have been boarding and examining vessels from November and through January to check on crews and certification.Operation Big Tow comes in the wake of a spate of tugboat related incidents and the worst oil spill ever on the lower Mississippi River. On July 23, 2008, the tanker Tintomara and a barge towed by the Mel Oliver collided, resulting in an estimated 280,000 gallons of oil being spilled into the Mississippi.

To minimize any impact to vessel movements or commerce, the Coast Guard is working with industry and towing vessel operators to conduct boardings and examinations at locks and dams, while vessels are tied up alongside, or through other methods that facilitate the flow of commerce while allowing examiners to check licenses and conduct safety checks.

‘While the majority of the towing industry operates safely and complies fully with licensing requirements, this comprehensive operation will allow us to identify any companies that may have problems’, said Capt. Verne B. Gifford, chief of prevention Eighth Coast Guard District.

Early indications are that, to date very few instances have been found of manning and certification rules being contravened.