USCG Exam PracticeLine handling and mooring
A towing vessel operator purchases a used wire towline from another vessel owner with the intent to use it as a towline. Under 33 CFR §164.74, which record-keeping requirement applies specifically to this situation?
- A. The operator must keep on board only the original manufacturer's certificate of minimum breaking strength
- B. No additional record is required beyond the standard monthly inspection log
- ✓ The operator must keep on board or in company files a record of a retest of the towline's minimum breaking strength performed by a class society or an approved tensile testCorrect
- D. The operator must obtain written approval from the cognizant OCMI before placing the towline in service
Why C is correct
33 CFR §164.74(a)(3)(ii) specifically addresses towlines purchased from another owner, master, or operator with intent to use as a towline: a record of a retest of minimum breaking strength — by a class society authorized under §157.04 or by an approved tensile test — must be kept on board or in company files. The original manufacturer's certificate alone does not satisfy this requirement.
Cited:33 CFR §164.74