External survey program.

(a) The owner or managing operator of a towing vessel that has selected the TSMS option and who has chosen to demonstrate compliance through an external survey program must: (1) Have the vessel surveyed annually by a surveyor from a TPO; (2) Ensure the survey is conducted in accordance with § 137.215; (3) Ensure the survey is conducted within 3 months of the anniversary date of the COI; (4) Ensure the TSMS applicable to the vessel includes policies and procedures for complying with this section; and (5) Make the applicable sections of the TSMS available to the surveyor. (b) The TPO must issue a report that meets the requirements in § 137.135.