USCG issues guidelines for worksite exceptions and workboat designation

The US Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, on 27 March 2023 released the guidelines for the designation of workboats and worksite exceptions under Subchapter M regulations.

These guidelines provide clarity and instructions for Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), and Marine Inspectors (MI) involved in the review process.

The purpose of these guidelines is to assist in determining worksite exception zones and designating vessels as workboats operating within worksites.

District Prevention Staff, OCMIs, and MIs are required to adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that local policies align with the provided instructions.

In the past, U.S. flag towing vessels operating exclusively within a worksite and performing intermittent towing were exempted from certain regulations. These vessels were known as "worksite exclusions."

With the implementation of Subchapter M regulations, this work instruction outlines the procedures for obtaining a worksite exception and workboat designation for inspected towing vessels.

Key definitions include:

• Commercial Service: Any trade or business involving the transportation of goods or individuals, excluding service by combatant vessels.
• Short Distances: Limited geographic areas within worksites, as designated by the OCMI.
• Towing Vessel: A commercial vessel engaged in pulling, pushing, or hauling alongside.
• Workboat: A vessel that pushes, pulls, or hauls alongside within a worksite, not involved in towing specific loads for commercial hire.
• Worksite: An area specified by the OCMI, where workboats operate over short distances for dredging, construction, maintenance, or repair work.

According to the guidelines, towing vessels operating exclusively within a worksite can receive a workboat designation if they perform intermittent towing.

However, vessels exempted from Subchapter M regulations under certain references remain subject to Uninspected Vessel and Uninspected Towing Vessel regulations.

These guidelines provide valuable insights and instructions to ensure compliance with Subchapter M regulations and promote safety within worksites.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Worksite Exception (WSE) Requests and Workboat Designation