Who we are:
The Master of Towing Vessels
Association (MTVA) represents the
interests of U.S. Coast Guard-licensed
masters, mates and pilots of towing
vessels.
The MTV Association is focused on:
1. Safety. The effective and realistic
procedures and awareness that has
allowed most of us to survive this long.

2. Training. As captains and mates
retire, the practical experience developed
through trial and error should be retained
and preserved. As new technology and
standards emerge, mariner participation
is critical to achieve correct training tools.

3. Regulations. Engaging the end user,
working mariners, in the development
process is critical to successful
implementation. By providing feedback
and assistance on policy creation which
must inevitably be used onboard we can
avoid many unrealistic aspirations.

3. Technology. Sharing information on  
equipment and technology used for the
industry leads to innovation and better
engineering. Knowing what has worked in
the past is necessary to designing for the
future.
Master of Towing Vessels Association                                     
"Advocate of the Tug Boat Captain"
Click here to see the VTS recording
of the Mel Oliver

Fire and Sinking onboard  the  Fish
Processor "GALAXY" in the  Bering
Sea Some very good lessons on how
anything that can go wrong will.

Sinking of the Tug "VALOUR"
If you have ever towed offshore in tough
weather you can relate to this USCG
Report on how the loss of life and the
sinking of this tug developed from an open
crossover valve to other fatal problems.
Beyond the tragedy involved two important
points are also made.
1.   The second Mate "still considered
himself a "rookie" despite his
extensive seatime and holding a
master's license for over two years".
2.    46 CFR 15.405" requires "each
licensed individual to become familiar
with the relevant characteristics of the
vessel on which engaged prior to
assuming the duties: to assume
stability and loading characteristics".
The captains "lack of specific
knowledge of the tug "VALOUR"
violates regulation 46 CFR 15.405".  In
this case the captain is facing charges of
negligence, misconduct and violation
of law largely for not knowing more about
the vessel.

From www.tugboatlife.com,
Wheelhouse forum, TOAR VS TRAINING
IBU VS SIU.
" You need to complete a TOAR. There
are only a few programs approved to
substitute for a TOAR, they are programs
operated by tug companies and are done
onboard. There is no "course" ashore you
can take instead of the TOAR. The
approved programs are just company
variations on the TOAR, with the same or
similar demonstrations required.
.....you probably will not get your TOAR
signed by a conscientious DE in only 30
days. Unlike STCW assessments, the sign
off in the TOAR isn't a simple assessment,
it's the DE indicating they found you
competent after a period of observation.
While you might find someone who will sign
off in 30 days or less, most DEs who will
have you working as their Mate, will take
longer."
James D. Cavo
Chief, Mariner Training
and Assessment
USCG National Maritime Center
James.D.Cavo@uscg.mil
THE LEADER IN STRENGTH

USCG says "farewell" to tradition.

We are sorry to see the USCG has
accidentally done away with the USCG
Merchant Marine Officer License, saying
have yerself a "passport style booklet"
instead. We say accident because that is
how it will be regarded in history. While the
MTVA was all for condensing and
simplifying credentials we were also
assured that the frameable license would
always be an available option. Despite
overwhelming comments on the record
from all corners of the sea, the comments
were shockingly disregarded. We will be
printing an nonofficial  frameable  Master
of  Towing Vessels License to replace the
traditional USCG version.
Have an Jones Act issue onboard a U.S. Tug? Hire
the best Maritime Lawyer Gordon & Elias
Have a Jones Act Question? See
Maritime Attorneys Law Cases