Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau Holds Annual Membership Meeting; Elects New Leadership and Votes to Proceed with a Third Party Organization Application to the Coast Guard
Members of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB), the recognized professional trade organization of marine auditors, met on May 10, 2016 to elect a new slate of leaders for the 2016-2017 year, during TVIB’s Annual Membership Meeting and Spring Board of Directors Meeting.
Lee Nelson, President of Upper River Services, was elected President, succeeding Ed Shearer, Principal Naval Architect of The Shearer Group. Captain David A. Foret, Jr., President of the ACTion group companies, was elected Vice President.
During a strategic dialogue session at the meeting, the incoming leadership voted to expand TVIB’s current purpose from training and certifying auditors, to include preparing to submit an application with the Coast Guard for acceptance as a Third Party Organization or “TPO.” As noted in the draft NPRM for 46 CFR Subchapter M, the Coast Guard has proposed procedures for auditors and surveyors to carry out compliance activities working through accepted Third Party Organizations on behalf of the Coast Guard. Upon acceptance as a TPO, TVIB intends to provide a vehicle for independent auditors and surveyors to provide Subchapter M audits and surveys to vessel operators that want an alternative to the recognized class organizations for their Subchapter M compliance.
“There is an overwhelming consensus from our membership that the industry needs multiple options for vessel operators to secure competitively priced audits and surveys from auditors that are located close to their vessels’ operating areas,” said Chris Parsonage, Executive Director of TVIB, during the meetings.
Since 2013, TVIB has certified approximately 100 auditors to conduct American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program audits. TVIB auditor members are located across the United States, from Alaska to Florida, Long Beach to Maine, and the Gulf Coast throughout the Inland River system. TVIB auditors are trained and certified to audit AWO carrier members’ compliance with the RCP, while using a uniform audit process and TVIB-developed audit checklists and guidance tools. TVIB auditors also perform internal audits and provide a variety of compliance services to the marine industry.