Resumption of Billing TSMS Option User Fees for Inspected Towing Vessels

Introduction

The United States Coast Guard has recently issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB 02-24) for the resumption of billing for inspection user fees related to TSMS Option vessels. This change comes after a period of suspension due to waiting for certain legal requirements to be met.

 Resumption of Billing

On December 28, 2023, the Federal Register published the User Fees for Inspected Towing Vessels Final Rule. This rule outlines the revised fee structure for inspected towing vessels, including TSMS Option vessels. 

 Effective March 27, 2024, the USCG FINCEN will begin charging inspection user fees for TSMS Option Vessels: The annual fee for TSMS option vessels will be $973.

 How to Pay User Fees Online

Vessel owners and operators can conveniently pay their inspection user fees online through the Pay.gov website. 

 Follow these steps:

• Go to Pay.gov using your preferred web browser. 

• On the Pay.gov homepage, in the search bar, type “USCG Inspection Fees” and select the Continue button for “US Coast Guard Annual Vessel Inspection Fee – COI”.

• Select Continue to the Form

• Provide the necessary details about your company and the vessel, including vessel name, official number, COI anniversary date, and type in payment amount as $973.

• Select Continue

• Select your preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer).

• Follow the prompts to complete the payment process securely.

Any questions related to vessel inspection fee payment, billing, appeals, or refunds, please contact the USCG Finance Center (FINCEN) via email at FIN-SMB-CustomerService@uscg.mil. You can also find additional information on their official website.

Questions and Assistance

The reinstatement of billing for TSMS Option user fees signifies a shift in the recent Subchapter M processes for our clients. The ACTion group stands ready to assist and answer any questions.