Vesel Requirements for TOAR

[TxKingfisher]

I've got a question for all you tug-a-boat guys on here.....
I've been reading NVIC's and CFR's until my head is about to explode and nowhere do I see any mention of specific vessel requirements. I hold a 500 ton master near coastal which allows me to get a towing endorsement in 30 days by completing a TOAR with a Designated Examiner. Does the vessel I do the TOAR on have to be over 200 tons?

The reason I ask is I have a friend that owns an inland towing company so I am going to ask him to let me ride for 30 days with one of his DE's. He has boats from 40ish tons up to 330ish tons so I need to know if I should be picky about which boat I ride. I'm assuming the DE's on his boats would know from their training required to serve as a DE?

Also once I complete the TOAR will I be given a Master oTV since my regular license is a Master or will I start out with a Mate oTV? Nevermind this one. Upon closer inspection of NVIC 04-01 There are 2 flow charts that say I would be awarded Master of Towing Vessels.

And do I have to have recency on towing vessels every time I renew to keep my endorsement?

[Diesel]

You will get master of towing unlimited, as far as tonnage of the towing vessel I don't believe it matters, I will try and find out, you were required to have service on vessels over 50 tons to get your 500 ton. That would probably be a safe margin. I will see what I can find out. Someone may chime in before then.

[jdcavo]

I've got a question for all you tug-a-boat guys on here.....
I've been reading NVIC's and CFR's until my head is about to explode and nowhere do I see any mention of specific vessel requirements. I hold a 500 ton master near coastal which allows me to get a towing endorsement in 30 days by completing a TOAR with a Designated Examiner. Does the vessel I do the TOAR on have to be over 200 tons?....

There is no tonnage requirement. It only needs to be a towing vessel. Make sure whoever is signing your TOAR is approved as a DE for the route (qask them to show you their approval letter from the NMC).

[shippedout]

Mr Cavo,

Im have a 1600 oceans master. I have 8 months training time on a foreign flag, foreign going tug, with a foreign master. I would like to do my assessments at a simulator with a USCG DE in the US.

Am I ok with that 30 days vessel training to get my TOAR? Thanks for your help.

[TxKingfisher]

You should be able to complete a toar with a minimum on 30 days aboard a towing vessel with a designated examiner. Or there are a couple of schools (I believe) that can put you in a simulator with a DE and get you signed off that way. Also there is a guy they you can hire to take you out on an old tug and barge and sign you off. The last two options are pretty expensive though.

[captbbrucato]

If you look at the basic USCG TOAR format, it includes skills that you may have difficulty demonstrating since high wind maneuvering, different tow configurations and ship assist won't likely fit into the 30 day time-frame. If I'm not mistaken, using a simulator for the entire process is not permitted (I would at least hope) in earning the endorsement. Maybe Doug Pine can fill in that blank.
Be realistic, the 30 day wonder is a hotly debated issue and I for one would not see any way that the TOAR can be completed in such a small timeframe. Even in a very busy port if you're ready to be assessed, it will surely take more than 30 days if the DE is living up to his responsibility..
The TOAR was instituted (and rightly so) to prevent towing vessels from being conned by individuals that have little or no relevant towing vessel experience... You may have commanded the USS United States, but that doesn't mean you're automatically qualified to handle the assist tug working the port bow after a few weeks, no matter how many oceans you've sailed.
If you plan to follow the path necessary to work tugs and towboats, plan on it taking more than 30 days. Much more.
As per Mr. Cavo; If you once earned the Master of Towing endorsement and haven't worked under its authority in the last 5 years since your last renewal, you will have to complete the TOAR all over again.

[jdcavo]

...As per Mr. Cavo; If you once earned the Master of Towing endorsement and haven't worked under its authority in the last 5 years since your last renewal, you will have to complete the TOAR all over again.

It's as per 46 CFR 10.227(d)(8)(vi)(A), it's the maneuvering section (D) of the TOAR.

[captbbrucato]

Duly noted.