(ST. LOUIS) — The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB) has announced its acquisition of Quality Auditing LC, effective Dec. 31. This purchase strengthens TVIB’s threefold mission of providing world-class training and continuing education for marine auditors and surveyors, developing comprehensive audit and survey tools, and becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Third-Party Organization (TPO) under 46 CFR Subchapter M.
Founded in 2009, Quality Auditing LC has been a leading full-service marine auditing firm specializing in providing third-party vendor audits and American Waterways Operators (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program audits, utilizing a network of auditors located throughout the inland waterways. This acquisition enables TVIB to expand its regulatory compliance service offerings for the industry as it prepares to conduct audits and surveys as a TPO.
“Quality Auditing brings best in class offerings for auditing solutions, ensuring consistency and integrity in audit performance. Their professional staff and strong industry partnerships will provide significant value for our clients,” said Chris Parsonage, TVIB’s executive director.
Tava Foret is transitioning from her role as Quality Auditing’s president into the newly created position of TVIB’s director of audit and survey services. Foret has extensive experience in advising and training both employers and auditors in regulatory compliance issues and is enthusiastic about the acquisition.
“Quality Auditing built its reputation on performing audits consistently from one organization to the next, delivering a quality product to our customers year after year. Combining our audit services with TVIB’s training and accrediting services immediately enhances TVIB’s presence in the marketplace,” said Foret.
Upon approval by the U.S. Coast Guard, TVIB will begin conducting audits of towing safety management systems (TSMS) and the vessels to which that TSMS applies, to verify compliance with Subchapter M, and to issue TSMS certificates. TVIB will also conduct Subchapter M vessel surveys as its member ranks of marine surveyors continues to grow.
About TVIB
The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau was founded in 2010 as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional trade organization of marine auditors and surveyors. TVIB educates, develops audit and survey tools and certifies marine auditors and surveyors to perform consistent, objective and independent audits and surveys of marine operators. Members provide marine audit and survey services to inland, coastal and oceangoing towing operators across the country. TVIB’s headquarters will be in Houston, Texas, with satellite offices in Kansas City, Mo., St. Louis, Mo., and Destin, Fla. Visit www.thetvib.org for more information.
