[Quote](MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 03-16 provides Coast Guard guidelines for credentialing officers of towing vessels. Its enclosure (1), frequently asked questions (10 and 11) and enclosure (6) created a narrow window for transitioning from previous versions of the Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR) contained in NVIC 04-10 to those provided in NVIC 03-16. The policy provided in the NVIC indicates that after Jan. 1, 2016, mariners should have begun using the new TOAR, however, the NVIC itself was not published until June 23, 2016. Therefore:
• Mariners commencing training and assessment toward an officer of towing vessels endorsement should use the TOARs contained in NVIC 03-16.
• The NMC will continue to accept previous versions of TOARs contained in NVIC 04-01 until March 24, 2019, regardless of the date started.
• Mariners should plan accordingly to ensure that previous versions of TOARs are completed and application for endorsement is made prior to March 24, 2019.
The appropriate TOAR can be found on the NMC website or in the enclosures to NVIC 03-16. For questions, please see the NMC website or contact the Customer Service Center by e-mail at IASKNMC@uscg.mil, by Chat, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662).[/quote]