With workboat operators counting down to compliance on Subchapter M, industry technology group MarineCFO has published a guidebook to recordkeeping under the new regulations.
The recently finalized rule will affect an estimated 5,500 towing vessels, and while the U.S. Coast Guard may have until July 2022 to issue initial Certificates of Inspection, towing operators must have their fleets in full compliance — with or without a COI — no later than July 20, 2018.
With the compliance deadline less than 800 days away, MarineCFO said they published the guidebook in the interest of aiding Subchapter M operators with an easy-to-read summary that will help them adjust to the new rules.
Located in Houma, La., MarineCFO advocates for regulatory compliance solutions, maritime enterprise resource planning, big data integration, and cybersecurity protocols.
“As the Subchapter M technology thought leader, MarineCFO has an obligation to create industry awareness about the minimum acceptable Sub M recordkeeping and document management requirements,” said Dean Shoultz, chief technology officer for MarineCFO.
The eight-page guidebook breaks down Subchapter M recordkeeping protocols, addressing elements, standards, and sanctions in detail. It explains the options and exceptions for onboard electronic recordkeeping under the new rule.
“The rules also make provisions for a system of document management,” Shoultz explained. “The guidebook is an essential tool in evaluating Subchapter M compliance of both existing and proposed document management systems.”
The guidebook is available for free download on the MarineCFO website.
