The American Waterways Operators (AWO) will hold Subchapter M information sessions open to both members and nonmembers at its summer regional meetings in Portland on August 10, in Pittsburgh on August 17 and in New York on August 24.
Subchapter M is one of the most important rulemakings ever to affect the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, and the AWO said it is committed to helping all members successfully navigate the transition to towing vessel inspection. AWO’s Board of Directors has also asked the association to serve as an information resource for the entire industry, including tugboat and towboat companies that do not belong to AWO, so that the rule’s promise of improved marine safety and environmental stewardship industry-wide can be achieved.
The information sessions will provide information regarding the Subchapter M rule and its implementation from AWO staff and members of the Coast Guard’s Subchapter M Implementation Team.
Each session will include briefings and updates on:
The AWO Towing Vessel Inspection Working Group’s assessment of the rule
The Coast Guard’s process to address questions and concerns raised by the working group and other industry members
The status of the Coast Guard’s draft Subchapter M implementation policy guidance, and the process for industry review of the draft policy
AWO’s plans for submittal of the Responsible Carrier Program for acceptance as a Towing Safety Management System and RCP auditing options for AWO members.