ABS' New Subchapter M Guide

[Press Release] ABS announced the publication of the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Subchapter M Towing Vessels. The Guide is designed to aid domestic owners comply with new U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements governing towing vessels that operate in U.S. inland waterways.

“As a trusted advisor to industry, ABS stays at the forefront of changing regulatory requirements so we can offer the best guidance to our clients and other industry stakeholders,” says ABS Americas Division President James Watson. “Our knowledge and experience put us in an excellent position to help owners balance their operational needs with the Subchapter M requirements.”

The new Guide addresses requirements for lifesaving appliances, fire protection, machinery, piping, electrical, structure and stability/load line. It also provides additional, supplemental and alternative requirements to the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (River Rules) based on a comparison to 46 CFR Subchapter M for towing vessels that fall under these definitions.

“ABS is committed to helping the domestic maritime industry comply with the 46 CFR Subchapter M requirements,” says ABS Inland Waterways Manager Joshua LaVire. “Our team provides companies with trusted technical advice that demonstrates our commitment and industry leadership.”