Manning regs on uninspected vessels revisited

Jul 7, 2014 by Guest Writer

The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has responded to the Marine Casualty Report on the sinking of the HMS Bounty, concurring with seven of eight recommendations that might impact the status of such vessels as well as things like manning requirements on uninspected vessels.

“The Coast Guard will review the manning regulations 46 CFR Part 15 to determine if the term ‘uninspected vessel’ is intended to exclude recreational vessels and whether any changes of law or regulation may be necessary,” wrote Capt. J.C. Burton, director of inspections and compliance.

In addition to finding causal fault with the master of the vessel, the report also found issues with the Bounty’s classification. At the time of its sinking, it was regarded as a recreational vessel and inspected as such, not as a sail training vessel or small passenger vessel.

The 100-page document includes the 93-page report of the sinking and a four-page letter from Burton outlining the recommendations. It can be viewed on the USCG site (https://homeport.uscg.mil) by searching for “tall ship Bounty.”

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