ABS introduces industry-leading Guide on Subchapter M

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, announces the publication of the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Subchapter M Towing Vessels. The Guide helps domestic owners comply with new U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements governing towing vessels that operate in U.S. inland waterways.

The new Guide addresses requirements for lifesaving appliances, fire protection, machinery, piping, electrical, structure and stability/load line. It also provides additional, supplemental and alternative requirements to the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (River Rules) based on a comparison to 46 CFR Subchapter M for towing vessels that fall under these definitions.

About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification society devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.