# 46 CFR § 137.200: Documenting compliance for the Coast Guard inspection option

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-137.200

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 CFR § 137.200
- **Heading:** Documenting compliance for the Coast Guard inspection 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 B—Inspections and Surveys for Certification

## Text

A towing vessel subject to this subchapter and choosing the Coast Guard inspection option, or required to have the Coast Guard inspection option, must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date.
(a) Owners and managing operators must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) to schedule an inspection at a time and place the OCMI approves. No written application is required.
(b) Annual inspections will be similar to the inspection for certification but will cover less detail unless the marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If the marine inspector finds deficiencies or finds that a major change to the vessel has occurred, he or she will conduct a more detailed inspection to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If the vessel passes the annual inspection, the Coast Guard will endorse the vessel's current Certificate of Inspection (COI).
(c) If the annual inspection reveals the need, the owner or managing operator must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the OCMI. The OCMI may use Form CG-835, “Notice of Merchant Marine Inspection Requirements,” to record deficiencies discovered during the inspection. The OCMI will then give a copy of the completed form to the master of the vessel.
(d) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting any tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness for its route and service.

## 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-46-137.200. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.