(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday issued a policy letter (CG-CVC Policy Letter 16-04) providing guidance on when personnel can "conditionally occupy" the barge unit of an articulated tug-barge (ATB). Under fair weather conditions and other criteria, personnel from the towing vessel can board the barge to perform discretionary, non-navigational tasks. The letter details criteria that must be met under which a barge operating beyond the boundary line, or on the Great Lakes, with an unmanned load-line assignment may be conditionally occupied.
Click here to read the letter.