---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 137.130"
title: "46"
number: "137.130"
heading: "Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/137.130"
---

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


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](/cfr/46/137.205.md), the examinations required by [§ 137.310](/cfr/46/137.310.md), or both; or
- (b) An internal survey program, in which the owner or managing operator would conduct either the surveys required by [§ 137.210](/cfr/46/137.210.md), the examinations required by [§ 137.315](/cfr/46/137.315.md), 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.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.