§164.76. Towline and terminal gear for towing alongside and pushing ahead. — Inbound Citations

(b) Sections 164.70 through 164.82 of this part apply to each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length operating in the navigable waters of the United States other than the St. Lawrence Seaway; except that a towing vessel is exempt from the requirements of § 164.72 if it is—

(1) Used solely within a limited geographic area, such as a fleeting-area for barges or a commercial facility, and used solely for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows;

(2) Used solely for assistance towing as defined by 46 CFR 10.107;

(3) Used solely for pollution response; or

(4) The COTP, upon written request, may, in writing, exempt a vessel from § 164.72 for a specified route if he or she decides that exempting it would not allow its unsafe navigation under anticipated conditions.

For purposes of §§ 164.72 through 164.82, the term—

(2) The COTP, upon receiving even a spoken request, may grant a deviation and an authorization from any of the provisions of §§ 164.70 through 164.82 for a specified time if he or she decides that they would not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions.

(a) The results of the inspections required by 33 CFR 164.76 must be documented in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.