46 CFR § 137.130 - Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s137.130"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 137.130 - Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "137.130"
section_name: "Program for vessel compliance for the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) option."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
part_number: "137"
part_name: "VESSEL COMPLIANCE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "137"
---
# 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, 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.