(WASHINGTON) — The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has approved Marine Compliance LLC (MARCOM) as a third-party organization authorized to conduct audits of AWO member operations as part of its Responsible Carrier Program (RCP).
The RCP is a safety management system that provides a framework for the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry to continuously improve safety and environmental performance. To comply with the RCP – a condition of AWO membership – member companies must undergo recurring management and vessel audits by a Coast Guard-approved third-party organization.
In 2016, the Coast Guard finalized its Subchapter M towing vessel safety and inspection regulations. Under Subchapter M, vessel operators can choose between adopting a towing safety management system (TSMS) or having their vessels inspected annually by the Coast Guard. AWO's RCP has been approved by the Coast Guard as an existing safety management system that meets Subchapter M requirements.
MARCOM's Sub M Division provides turnkey Subchapter M implementation services. For more information, visit www.marcomllc.com.
