New Towing Vessel Inspection Regulations from U.S. Coast Guard Topic of Free WorkBoat.com Webinar on December 21; Kevin Gilheany, Owner of Maritime Compliance International, Featured Speaker

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, December 14, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime industry are getting down to the details of the historic new towing vessel inspection rule that was unveiled in August. The new rule will cover over 5,000 vessels belonging to over 1,000 companies and will cost operators an estimated $14 million to $18 million annually over a 10-year phase-in period, according to WorkBoat magazine.

The new Towing Vessel Inspection Regulations will be the topic of free WorkBoat.com webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 1 pm (eastern).

To register for the free webinar, visit www.WorkBoat.com.

"The new rule is aimed at improving safety on the nation's waterways," said David Krapf, editor in chief of WorkBoat magazine and WorkBoat.com. "The proposed rule was seven years in the making and is probably the most significant regulation for the towing industry since operators were required to be licensed in 1972." WorkBoat magazine named the proposed Towing Vessel Inspection Rule as its top story of 2011.

The webinar features Kevin Gilheany, owner of Maritime Compliance International, which works with organizations who want to increase profitability by achieving excellence through compliance and management systems. Gilheany is a retired U.S. Coast Guard marine inspector, a business owner, certified marine surveyor and auditor, and crew endurance management expert.

Gilheany said the webinar would address the following questions:
1. It will discuss what's included in the proposed regulation and why.

2. What it means to operate under a Coast Guard certificate of inspection.

3. What critical decisions companies must make in choosing traditional Coast Guard inspections or the third-party towing safety management system.

4. It will discuss the difference between a voluntary safety management system and one required by regulation.

5. What "third parties" need to consider about avoiding conflicts of interest.

Krapf said the Coast Guard will publish a final rule, possibly by 2013.

About the WorkBoat Professional Series
The webinar is presented as a part of the WorkBoat Professional Series and is designed to keep the commercial marine business community informed and on top of what's going on in the industry today and what's in store for the future.

WorkBoat.com is the largest commercial marine member-supported website, with over 24,000 members. Each registrant for the webinar receives a free membership in WorkBoat.com.

For more information visit www.WorkBoat.com.

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