U.S.C.G. Safety Alert on Man Overboard
This article is the result of an investigation of a Man Overboard loss in a Container ship. However the conclusions and recommendations are highly relevant for Tugboats and other work boats also. In addition, they are aligned with the Coast Guard's recent increased Tugboat Subchapter M inspection focus on man overboard rescue equipment and procedures.
On April 11, 2019, after receiving a COI on the first of 10 tugboats, American Tugs & Barge Inc, San Juan, Puerto Rico had a U.S. Coast Guard inspection of the second boat.
During this inspection, they received an 835 for deficiency of "Vessel Inspection Requirements, including 46 CFR 140.425(a)(5) for not being able to demonstrate procedures or equipment to retrieve a person from the water.
