# 46 CFR § 137.130: Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.130

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 CFR § 137.130
- **Heading:** Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 46—Shipping > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER M—TOWING VESSELS > PART 137—VESSEL COMPLIANCE > Subpart A—General

## Text

The owner or managing operator of a towing vessel choosing to use the TSMS option must implement an external or internal survey program for vessel compliance. The program for vessel compliance can be either:
(a) An external survey program, in which the owner or managing operator would have a third-party organization (TPO) conduct either the surveys required by § 137.205, the examinations required by § 137.310, or both; or
(b) An internal survey program, in which the owner or managing operator would conduct either the surveys required by § 137.210, the examinations required by § 137.315, or both, using internal resources or contracted surveyors. The internal survey program would be conducted with the oversight of a TPO.
(c) Each program of either type must include:
(1) Owner or managing operator policy regarding the surveying and examination of towing vessels;
(2) Procedures for conducting towing vessel surveys and examinations, as described in this part;
(3) Procedures for reporting and correcting non-conformities and deficiencies;
(4) Identification of the individual or individuals responsible for the management of the program, and their qualifications; and
(5) Documentation of compliance activities.

## Nearby sections

- [46 CFR § 137.100 § 137.100 Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.100.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.120 § 137.120 Responsibility for compliance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.120.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.130 § 137.130 Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.130.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.135 § 137.135 Reports and documentation required for the TSMS option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.135.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.200 § 137.200 Documenting compliance for the Coast Guard inspection option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.200.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.202 § 137.202 Documenting compliance for the TSMS option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.202.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.205 § 137.205 External survey program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.205.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.210 § 137.210 Internal survey program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.210.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.212 § 137.212 Coast Guard oversight of vessel survey program for vessels under the TSMS option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.212.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.215 § 137.215 General conduct of survey.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.215.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.220 § 137.220 Scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.220.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.300 § 137.300 Intervals for drydock and internal structural examinations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.300.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.302 § 137.302 Documenting compliance for the Coast Guard inspection option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.302.md)
- [46 CFR § 137.305 § 137.305 Documenting compliance for the TSMS option.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.305.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.130. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.