PART 136—CERTIFICATION Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1. Source: 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted. Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 136 appear by USCG-2025-0186, 90 FR 12238, Mar. 17, 2025. Subpart A—General § 136.100 Purpose. This part sets out the applicability for this subchapter and describes the requirements for obtaining and renewing a Certificate of Inspection (COI). § 136.105 Applicability. (a) This subchapter is applicable to all U.S.-flag towing vessels as defined in § 136.110 engaged in pushing, pulling, or hauling alongside, except— (1) A vessel less than 26 feet (7.92 meters) in length measured from end to end over the deck (excluding the sheer), unless that vessel is pushing, pulling, or hauling a barge that is carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk; (2) A vessel engaged in one or more of the following: (i) Assistance towing as defined in § 136.110; (ii) Towing recreational vessels for salvage; or (iii) Transporting or assisting the navigation of recreational vessels within and between marinas and marina facilities, within a limited geographic area, as determined by the local Captain of the Port (COTP); (3) A workboat operating exclusively within a worksite and performing intermittent towing within the worksite; (4) A seagoing towing vessel of 300 gross tons or more subject to the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter; (5) A vessel inspected under other subchapters of this chapter that may perform occasional towing; (6) A public vessel as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101; (7) A vessel that has surrendered its COI and is laid up, dismantled, or otherwise out of service; and (8) A propulsion unit used for the purpose of propelling or controlling the direction of a barge where the unit is controlled from the barge, is not normally manned, and is not utilized as an independent vessel. (b) [Reserved] § 136.110 Definitions. As used in this subchapter: ABS Rules Accommodation space (1) Messroom; (2) Lounge; (3) Sitting area; (4) Recreation room; (5) Quarters; (6) Toilet space; (7) Shower room; (8) Galley; (9) Berthing space; (10) Clothing-changing room; or (11) A similar space open to individuals. Anniversary date Approval series http://cgmix.uscg.mil/Equipment/EquipmentSearch.aspx Assistance towing Audit (1) The audit may include, but is not limited to: (i) Examining records; (ii) Asking responsible persons how they accomplish their assigned duties; (iii) Observing persons performing specific tasks within their assigned duties; (iv) Examining equipment to ensure proper maintenance and operation; and (v) Checking training records and work environments. (2) The audit may be limited to the random selection of a representative sampling throughout the system that presents the auditor with sufficient, objective evidence of system compliance. Authorized classification society Berthing space Bollard pull Change in ownership Class Rules Coastwise (1) Any ocean; (2) The Gulf of America; (3) The Caribbean Sea; (4) The Bering Sea; (5) The Gulf of Alaska; or (6) Such other similar waters as may be designated by a Coast Guard District Commander. Cold water Commandant Conflict of interest Crewmember Deficiency Disabled vessel Downstreaming Drydock examination Electronic position fixing device Engine room Essential system (1) Systems for: (i) Detection or suppression of fire; (ii) Emergency dewatering or ballast management; (iii) Navigation; (iv) Internal and external communication; (v) Vessel control, including propulsion, steering, maneuverability and their vital auxiliaries; (vi) Emergency evacuation and abandonment; (vii) Lifesaving; and (viii) Control of a tow; (2) Any critical system identified in a SMS compliant with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code requirements of 33 CFR part 96; and (3) Any other marine engineering system identified in an approved TSMS or identified by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) as essential to the vessel's survival, ability to maintain safe operation, ability to control the vessel, or to ensure the safety of onboard personnel. Excepted vessel (1) Used solely: (i) Within a limited geographic area, as defined in this section; (ii) For harbor-assist, as defined in this section; or (iii) For response to an emergency or a pollution event; or (2) Excepted by the cognizant OCMI for purposes of some or all of the requirements in §§ 142.315 through 142.330, 143.235, 143.265, and subpart C of part 143 of this subchapter, based on consideration of those requirements and on reasons submitted by the vessel owner or managing operator as to why the vessel does not need to meet these requirements for the safe operation of the vessel. Excursion party Existing towing vessel External audit External survey program Fixed fire-extinguishing system (1) A carbon dioxide system that meets the requirements of 46 CFR subpart 76.15 and 46 CFR 78.47-9 and 78.47-11, and that is approved by the Commandant; (2) A clean agent system that satisfies the requirements in 46 CFR subpart 95.16 and in 46 CFR 97.37-9, and is approved by the Commandant; or (3) A manually operated, water mist system that satisfies NFPA 750 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112) and is approved by the Commandant. Fleeting area Galley Great Lakes Gross tons Harbor of safe refuge Harbor-assist Horsepower Inland waters Internal Audit Internal survey program International voyage Lakes, bays, and sounds (1) A lake other than the Great Lakes. (2) A bay. (3) A sound. (4) Such other similar waters as may be designated by the cognizant Coast Guard District Commander. Length Length between perpendiculars LBP Limited coastwise Limited geographic area Machinery space Major conversion (1) Substantially changes the dimensions or carrying capacity of the vessel; (2) Changes the type of the vessel; (3) Substantially prolongs the life of the vessel; or (4) Otherwise so changes the vessel that it is essentially a new vessel, as determined by the Commandant. Major non-conformity Managing operator Nationally recognized testing laboratory NRTL New towing vessel (1) Had its keel laid or was at a similar stage of construction on or after July 20, 2017; or (2) Underwent a major conversion that was initiated on or after July 20, 2017. Non-conformity Objective evidence Oceans (1) Any ocean. (2) The Gulf of America. (3) The Caribbean Sea. (4) The Bering Sea. (5) The Gulf of Alaska. (6) Such other similar waters as may be designated by the cognizant Coast Guard District Commander. Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection OCMI Officer in charge of a (or the) navigational watch Oil or hazardous material in bulk, Operating station Owner Persons in addition to the crew Policy Power and lighting circuit Pressure vessel, Procedure Protected waters Propulsor Recognized classification society Replacement in kind Rescue boat Rivers Safety Management System SMS Skiff Survey Terminal gear Third-party organization TPO Tow Towing vessel Towing Safety Management System TSMS Towing vessel record TVR Unsafe condition Unsafe practice Warm water Western Rivers Workboat Worksite Work space § 136.112 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish a document in the Federal Register http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html (b) American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), 613 Third Street, Suite 10, Annapolis, MD 21403, 410-990-4460, http://www.abycinc.org/ (1) E-11 (2003)—AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats, dated July 2003, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (2) H-2 (2000)—Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline, dated July 2000, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (3) H-22 (2005)—Electric Bilge Pump Systems, dated July 2005, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (4) H-24 (2007)—Gasoline Fuel Systems, dated July 2007, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (5) H-25 (2003)—Portable Gasoline Fuel Systems, reaffirmed July 2003, IBR approved for §§ 143.265(b) and 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (6) H-32 (2004)—Ventilation of Boats Using Diesel Fuel, dated July 2004, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (7) H-33 (2005)—Diesel Fuel Systems, dated July 2005, IBR approved for §§ 143.265(e) and 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (8) P-1 (2002)—Installation of Exhaust Systems for Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines, dated July 2002, IBR approved for §§ 143.520(a) and 144.415 of this subchapter. (9) P-4 (2004)—Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions, dated July 2004, IBR approved for § 143.520(a) of this subchapter. (c) American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060, 281-877-5800, http://www.eagle.org (1) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways, 2007, IBR approved for §§ 143.515(a), 143.540(b), 143.550(a), 143.580(b), and 144.205(a) of this subchapter. (2) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length, 2006, including Supplement to Part 1 (dated January 1, 2008) and Corrigenda Notices 1 to 13 (in effect as of July 1, 2010), IBR approved for §§ 143.515(a), 143.540(a), 143.545(b), 143.550(a), 143.555(b), 143.580(a), 143.600, and 144.205(a) of this subchapter. (d) American Society for Quality (ASQ), Quality Press, P.O. Box 3005, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3005, 800-248-1946, http://asq.org/ (1) ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000, Quality management systems—Requirements, approved December 13, 2000, IBR approved for §§ 138.310(d), 139.120(d) and 139.130(b) of this subchapter. (2) [Reserved] (e) FM Approvals, P.O. Box 9102, Norwood, MA 02062, 781-440-8000, http://www.fmglobal.com/ (1) Approval Standard for Storage Cabinets (Flammable and Combustible liquids), Class Number 6050 (Standard 6050), dated December 1996, IBR approved for § 142.225(c) of this subchapter. (2) [Reserved] (f) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/ (1) Resolution A.520(13)—Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, adopted November 17, 1983, IBR approved for § 141.225(c) of this subchapter. (2) Resolution A.658(16)—Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-saving Appliances, adopted October 19, 1989, IBR approved for § 141.340(f) of this subchapter. (3) Resolution A.688(17)—Fire Test Procedures For Ignitability of Bedding Components, adopted November 6, 1991, IBR approved for § 144.430(b) of this subchapter. (4) Resolution A.760(18)—Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, adopted November 4, 1993, IBR approved for § 141.340(h) of this subchapter. (5) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS), Consolidated Edition (including Erratum), 2009, IBR approved for §§ 136.115(b), 141.105(b) and (c), and 142.205(a) of this subchapter. (g) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case Postal 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, +41 22 749 01 11, http://www.iso.org/ (1) ISO 9001:2008(E)—International Standard: Quality management systems—Requirements, Fourth edition, dated November 15, 2008 (corrected version dated July 15, 2009), IBR approved for §§ 138.310(d) and 139.130(b) of this subchapter. (2) ISO 14726:2008(E)—International Standard: Ships and marine technology-Identification colours for the content of piping systems, First edition, dated May 1, 2008, IBR approved for § 143.250(e) of this subchapter. (h) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, 800-344-3555, http://www.nfpa.org/ (1) NFPA 10—Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 Edition, effective December 5, 2009, IBR approved for § 142.240(a) of this subchapter. (2) NFPA 70—National Electrical Code (NEC), 2002 Edition, effective August 2, 2001, IBR approved for §§ 136.110, 143.555(b), and 143.565(b) of this subchapter. (3) NFPA 302—Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, 1998 Edition, IBR approved for §§ 143.265(e) and 144.415 of this subchapter. (4) NFPA 306—Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, 2014 Edition, effective June 17, 2013, IBR approved for § 140.665(a) of this subchapter. (5) NFPA 750—Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2006 Edition, effective February 16, 2006, IBR approved for § 136.110. (6) NFPA 1971—Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire-Fighting and Proximity Fire-Fighting, 2007 Edition, effective August 17, 2006, IBR approved for § 142.226(a) of this subchapter. (i) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096, 724-776-4841, http://www.sae.org/ (1) ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996, American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment Operating on Land Highways—Safety Standard, approved August 11, 1997, IBR approved for § 144.905(e) of this subchapter. (2) SAE J1475 Revised JUN96—Hydraulic Hose Fitting for Marine Applications, revised June 1996, IBR approved for § 143.265(d) of this subchapter. (3) SAE J1942 Revised APR2007—Hose and Hose Assemblies for Marine Applications, revised April 2007, IBR approved for § 143.265(d) of this subchapter. (j) UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.), 12 Laboratory Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-549-1400, http://www.ul.com/ (1) UL 217—Standard for Safety for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms, Sixth Edition, dated August 25, 2006 (including revisions through November 20, 2012), IBR approved for § 142.330(b) of this subchapter. (2) UL 1104—Standards for Safety for Marine Navigation Lights, Second Edition, dated October 29, 1998, IBR approved for § 143.415(a) of this subchapter. (3) UL 1275—Standard for Safety for Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets, Third Edition, dated June 30, 2005 (including revisions through February 26, 2010), IBR approved for § 142.225(c) of this subchapter. [81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, as amended by USCG-2017-1060, 83 FR 8180, Feb. 26, 2018] § 136.115 Equivalents. (a) The Coast Guard may approve any arrangement, fitting, appliance, apparatus, equipment, calculation, information, or test that provides a level of safety equivalent to that established by any specific provision of this subchapter. Submit requests for approval to the Coast Guard via the cognizant OCMI. The Marine Safety Center may require engineering evaluations and tests to verify the equivalence. (b) The Coast Guard may accept compliance with the provisions of SOLAS applicable to the vessel's size and route (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112), as an equivalent to specific requirements of this subchapter. Submit requests for a determination of equivalency for a particular vessel to the Coast Guard via the cognizant OCMI. (c) Alternative compliance arrangement provisions related to SMSs are contained in § 138.225 of this subchapter. (d) Alternate compliance arrangements must be documented within the TSMS applicable to the vessel. § 136.120 Special consideration. Based on a review of relevant information and on the TSMS applicable to the vessel, the cognizant OCMI who issues the COI may give special consideration to authorizing departures from specific requirements, when unusual circumstances or arrangements warrant such departures and when an equivalent level of safety is provided. § 136.130 Options for documenting compliance to obtain a Certificate of Inspection. (a) There are two options for documenting compliance with the requirements in this subchapter to obtain a COI: (1) The Coast Guard option, in which all inspections of the towing vessel are conducted by the Coast Guard, as discussed in § 136.210 and parts 137 and 140 through 144 of this subchapter; or (2) The TSMS option, as discussed in § 136.210, and in parts 137 through 144 of this subchapter. (b) Regardless of the option chosen, the Coast Guard is responsible for issuing a towing vessel COI, and may board a vessel at any time to verify compliance and take appropriate action. (c) An owner or managing operator choosing the Coast Guard option may use a management system, vessel operations manual, towing vessel record (TVR), or logbook to meet this subchapter's recordkeeping requirements. (d) When submitting an application for inspection, the owner or managing operator must specify on the application which option he or she chooses for each particular towing vessel. Owners or managing operators may choose different options for the individual vessels within their fleets. (e) Requests to change options during the period of validity of an existing COI must be accompanied by an application to the OCMI for a new COI. If the requirements for the new option are met, the OCMI will issue the vessel a new COI. § 136.172 Temporary compliance for existing towing vessels. An existing towing vessel subject to this subchapter will remain subject to Coast Guard regulations applicable to the vessel on July 19, 2016 until either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a COI, whichever date is earlier. § 136.175 Approved equipment. Where equipment in this subchapter is required to be of an approved type, such equipment requires the specific approval of the Coast Guard. A list of approved equipment and materials may be found online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil/Equipment/EquipmentSearch.aspx § 136.180 Appeals. Any person directly affected by a decision or action taken under this subchapter, by or on behalf of the Coast Guard, may appeal in accordance with 46 CFR 1.03. Subpart B—Certificate of Inspection § 136.200 Certificate required. (a) A towing vessel may not be operated without having onboard a valid COI issued by the Coast Guard as required by § 136.202. (b) Each towing vessel certificated under the provisions of this subchapter must be in full compliance with the terms of the COI. (c) If necessary to prevent the delay of the vessel, the Coast Guard may issue a temporary COI to a towing vessel, pending the issuance and delivery of the permanent COI. The temporary COI must be carried in the same manner as the regular COI and is equivalent to the permanent COI that it represents. (d) A towing vessel on a foreign voyage between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country whose COI expires during the voyage may lawfully complete the voyage without a valid COI, provided the voyage is completed within 30 days of expiration, and provided that the COI did not expire within 15 days of sailing on the foreign voyage from a U.S. port. § 136.202 Certificate of Inspection phase-in period. (a) All owners or managing operators of more than one existing towing vessel required to have a COI by this subchapter must ensure that each existing towing vessel under their ownership or control is issued a valid COI according to the following schedule: (1) By July 22, 2019, at least 25 percent of the towing vessels must have valid COIs on board; (2) By July 20, 2020, at least 50 percent of the towing vessels must have valid COIs on board; (3) By July 19, 2021, at least 75 percent of the towing vessels must have valid COIs on board; and (4) By July 19, 2022, 100 percent of the towing vessels must have valid COIs on board. (b) All owners or managing operators of only one existing towing vessel required to have a COI by this subchapter must ensure the vessel has an onboard, valid COI by July 20, 2020. (c) A new towing vessel must obtain a COI before it enters into service. § 136.205 Description. A towing vessel's COI describes the vessel, routes that it may travel, minimum manning requirements and total persons allowed onboard, safety equipment and appliances required to be onboard, horsepower, and other information pertinent to the vessel's operations as determined by the OCMI. § 136.210 Obtaining or renewing a COI. Owners and managing operators must submit Form CG-3752, “Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel,” to the cognizant OCMI where the inspection will take place. The owner or managing operator must submit the application at least 30 days before the vessel will undergo the initial inspection for certification. The owner or managing operator must schedule an inspection for this initial certification with the cognizant OCMI at least 3 months before the vessel is to undergo the inspection for certification. (a) In addition to Form CG-3752, the owner or managing operator must submit: (1) For initial certification: (i) Vessel particular information; and (ii) Number of persons in addition to the crew, if requested; or (2) For a renewal of certification: (i) Any changes to the information in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; and (ii) A description of any modifications to the vessel. (b) In addition to Form CG-3752 and the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the owner or managing operator of vessels utilizing the TSMS option must submit: (1) Objective evidence that the owner or managing operator and the vessel are in compliance with the TSMS requirements in part 138 of this subchapter; and (2) Objective evidence that the vessel's structure, stability, and essential systems comply with the applicable requirements of this subchapter for the intended route and service. This objective evidence may be in the form of a survey report issued by a TPO or another form acceptable to the Coast Guard. § 136.212 Inspection for certification. (a) Frequency of inspections. (b) Nature of inspection. (c) Time of issuance of COI. § 136.215 Period of validity. (a) A COI for a towing vessel is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. (b) For a towing vessel utilizing the TSMS option, the COI is invalid upon the expiration or revocation of the owner or managing operator TSMS certificate or the ISM Code Certificate. (c) A COI may be suspended and withdrawn or revoked by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection at any time for noncompliance with the requirements of this subchapter. § 136.220 Posting. (a) The original COI must be framed under glass or other transparent material and posted in a conspicuous place onboard the towing vessel. (b) If posting is impracticable, the COI must be kept on board in a weathertight container and must be readily available. § 136.230 Routes permitted. (a) The area of operation for each towing vessel and any necessary operational limits are determined by the cognizant OCMI and recorded on the vessel's COI. Each area of operation, referred to as a route, is described on the COI under the major headings “Oceans,” “Coastwise,” “Limited Coastwise,” “Great Lakes,” “Lakes, Bays, and Sounds,” or “Rivers,” as applicable. Additional limitations imposed or extensions granted are described by reference to bodies of waters, geographical points, distances from geographical points, distances from land, depths of channel, seasonal limitations, and similar factors. (b) Operation of a towing vessel on a route of lesser severity than those specifically described or designated on the COI is permitted, unless the route is expressly prohibited on the COI. The general order of decreasing severity of routes is: Oceans; coastwise; limited coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and sounds; and rivers. The cognizant OCMI may prohibit a vessel from operating on a route of lesser severity than the primary route on which a vessel is authorized to operate, if local conditions necessitate such a restriction. (c) When designating a permitted route or imposing any operational limits on a towing vessel, the cognizant OCMI may consider: (1) The route-specific requirements of this subchapter; (2) The performance capabilities of the vessel based on design, scantlings, stability, subdivision, propulsion, speed, operating modes, maneuverability, and other characteristics; (3) The suitability of the vessel for nighttime operations and use in all weather conditions; (4) Vessel operations in globally remote areas or severe environments not covered by this subchapter. Such areas may include, but are not limited to, polar regions, remote islands, areas of extreme weather, or other remote areas where timely emergency assistance cannot be anticipated; and (5) The TSMS applicable to the vessel, if the vessel has one. § 136.235 Certificate of Inspection amendment. (a) An amended COI may be issued at any time by the cognizant OCMI. The amended COI replaces the original, but the expiration date remains the same as that of the original. An amended COI may be issued to authorize and record a change in the dimensions, gross tonnage, owner, managing operator, manning, persons permitted, route permitted, conditions of operations, or equipment of a towing vessel, from that specified in the current COI. (b) The owner or managing operator of the towing vessel must make a request for an amended COI to the cognizant OCMI any time there is a change in the character of the vessel or in its route, equipment, ownership, operation, or similar factors specified in its current COI. The OCMI may need to conduct an inspection before issuing an amended COI. (c) For those vessels selecting the TSMS option, the owner or managing operator of the towing vessel must provide to the OCMI objective evidence of compliance with the requirements in this subchapter prior to the issuance of an amended COI. The evidence must: (1) Be from a TPO and prepared in accordance with parts 138 and 139 of this subchapter; and (2) Consider the change in the character of a vessel or in its route, equipment, ownership, operation, or similar factors specified in the vessel's current COI. § 136.240 Permit to proceed. Permission to proceed to another port for repairs (Form CG-948) may be required for a towing vessel that is no longer in compliance with its COI. This permission may be necessary in certain situations, including damage to the vessel, failure of an essential system, or failure to comply with a regulation, including failure to comply with the TSMS requirements, if appropriate. (a) What a vessel with a TSMS must do before proceeding to another port for repairs. (1) In the judgment of the owner, managing operator, or master, the trip can be completed safely; (2) The TSMS addresses the condition of the vessel that has resulted in non-compliance and the necessary conditions under which the vessel may safely proceed to another port for repair; (3) The vessel proceeds as provided in the TSMS and does not tow while proceeding, unless the owner or managing operator determines that it is safe to do so; and (4) The owner or managing operator notifies the cognizant OCMI in whose zone the non-compliance occurred or is discovered, before the vessel proceeds. The owner or operator must also notify the cognizant OCMI in any other OCMI zones through which the vessel will transit. (b) What another vessel must do before proceeding to another port for repairs. (1) The request for permission to proceed may be made electronically, in writing, or orally. The cognizant OCMI may require a written description, a damage survey, or other documentation to assist in determining the nature and seriousness of the non-compliance. (2) The vessel will not engage in towing, unless the cognizant OCMI determines it is safe to do so. (3) The Coast Guard may issue the permit either on Form CG-948, “Permit to Proceed to Another Port for Repairs,” or in letter form, and will state the conditions under which the vessel may proceed to another port for repair. (c) Inspection or examination. § 136.245 Permit to carry an excursion party or temporary extension or alteration of route. (a) A towing vessel must obtain approval to engage in an excursion prior to carrying a greater number of persons than permitted by the COI, or to temporarily extend or alter its area of operation. (b) For a vessel utilizing the TSMS option, the vessel may engage in an excursion, if: (1) In the opinion of the owner, managing operator, or master the operation can be undertaken safely; (2) The TSMS addresses the temporary excursion operation contemplated; the necessary conditions under which the vessel may safely conduct the operation, including the number of persons the vessel may carry; the crew required; and any additional lifesaving or safety equipment required; (3) The vessel proceeds as provided in the TSMS; and (4) The owner, managing operator, or master notifies the cognizant OCMI at least 48 hours prior to the temporary excursion operation. The cognizant OCMI may require submission of pertinent provisions of the TSMS applicable to the vessel for review and onboard verification of compliance. If the cognizant OCMI has reasonable cause to believe that the TSMS applicable to the vessel is insufficient for the intended excursion, additional information may be requested and/or additional requirements may be imposed. (c) If the towing vessel is not under a TSMS, or the TSMS applicable to the vessel does not address the temporary excursion operation: (1) The owner or managing operator must submit an application to the cognizant OCMI. The application must state the intended route, number of passengers or guests, and any other conditions applicable to the excursion that exceed those specified in its COI. (2) The cognizant OCMI may issue the permit either on Form CG-949, “Permit To Carry Excursion Party,” or in letter form. The cognizant OCMI will indicate on the permit the conditions under which it is issued, the number of persons the vessel may carry, the crew required, any additional lifesaving or safety equipment required, the route for which the permit is granted, and the dates on which the permit is valid. The application may be made electronically, in writing, or orally. (3) The vessel may not engage in towing during the excursion, unless the cognizant OCMI determines it is safe to do so. (d) The cognizant OCMI may require an inspection of the vessel by a Coast Guard Marine Inspector or an examination by a surveyor from a TPO prior to the vessel proceeding. § 136.250 Load lines. Vessels described in Table 136.250 of this section that operate on the Great Lakes or outside the Boundary Lines, as set forth in 46 CFR part 7, are subject to load line requirements in subchapter E of this chapter in the following circumstances: Table 136.250 A vessel that— Is subject to load line requirements in subchapter E of this chapter if it is— (a) Is on an international voyage— (1) Seventy nine (79) feet (24 meters) or more in length and built on or after July 21, 1968; or (2) One hundred and fifty (150) gross tons or more if built before July 21, 1968. (b) Is on a domestic voyage— (1) Seventy nine (79) feet (24 meters) or more in length and built on or after January 1, 1986; or (2) One hundred and fifty (150) gross tons or more if built before January 1, 1986.