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other subchapters that may perform occasional towing. Vessels in the first three categories would be addressed in a subsequent rulemaking. INDUSTRY ?SREACTIONTOTHE NPRM ANDNEXT STEPSAt first glance, AWO likes most of what it sees in the NPRM. All thedetails may not be perfect but most of the concepts are sound. The NPRM proposes a new approach to Coast Guard inspection that is unique to towing vessels and more flexible and innovative than the inspection requirements that currently exist for any other class of inspected vessel. Its approach is deeply rooted in the rec- ommendations made by AWO and TSAC over the last eight years. It?s clear that the Coast Guard has been listening to the industry. The Coast Guard will accept com- ments on the NPRM until December 9. In addition, the agency will hold four public meetings to seek feed-back. The meetings are tentatively sched- uled to take place in Norfolk, VA on October 18; in St. Louis, MO on October 24, in New Orleans, LA on October 26; and in Seattle, WA on November 16. An AWO member working group comprising more than 70 AWO members from all segments of the tugboat, towboat and barge industry will conduct an in-depth analysis of the NPRM in order to develop AWO comments to the docket.The transition to towing vessel inspection is the most important reg- ulatory change the towing industry has ever experienced. We must get the details right. This is a complex rulemaking and AWO will continue to participate actively in the regulato- ry process, providing detailed and specific comments to refine the pro- posed regulations and ensure that they achieve their promise: helping to make the industry safer as it reli- ably carries the nation?s cargo, thus benefiting America?s economy, envi- ronment and quality of life. www.marinelink.com MN17OPINIONMN#9 (1-17):MN 2011 Layouts 9/6/2011 11:50 AM Page 17