River Division Vessel Receives COI From U.S. Coast Guard

The crew of the Capt. James Anderson celebrates receiving a certificate of inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard. From left to right: Chris Blank-USCG, Dale Nedrow, Danny Marr, Mike Rogers, Bill Null, Matt Rieger, Juanita Landes, Jonathan Jordan, James Northup, Cmdr. Paul Mangini-USCG, and Troy Akers. Photo by Dee Harbrecht.

The U.S. Coast Guard (Huntington District)  issued the first certificate of inspection (COI) for a previously uninspected line boat for Subchapter M compliance July 20 at AEP’s River Transportation Division headquarters in Lakin, W.Va.

Coast Guard Commander Paul Mangini presented the COI to River Division Captain Troy Akers for the towing vessel Captain James Anderson.

A COI is issued to a vessel after the vessel has completed a thorough examination of safety equipment, machinery, pollution prevention equipment, navigation equipment, life-saving equipment and more. Approximately 6,000 towing vessels across the country will become inspected by the Coast Guard under these new requirements.

All AEP boats will eventually receive their COI’s and become inspected vessels. Companies have five years to get their COI’s completed. The Captain Gerald Boggs has completed its official inspection and will file for its COI in the fall. Next year, two more River Division vessels will be inspected for their COI application and certificate.

“I am proud of the entire crew of the m/v Capt. James Anderson for their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement efforts to meet these new sub-M regulations,” said Jeff Keifer, AEP managing director-boat operations.