Third-party organization Lloyd’s Register was approved by American Waterways Operators (AWO) to conduct audits of AWO members’ operations.
The audits are part of AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) designed to improve safety in the U.S. barge, towboat and tugboat industry. A condition of AWO membership is compliance with RCP by holding periodic third-party vessel and management inspections.
Lloyd’s Register is a business, technological and engineering organization owned by a British foundation.
“We’re excited to join the AWO family and add our expertise in small vessels, towboats and the inland waterways,” Mark Darley, Lloyd’s Register North America president and Marine Manager for the Americas, said. “With over 120 marine auditors and surveyors in North America alone, we’re ready to help the industry further its commitment to a culture of safety through the Responsible Carrier Program and Subchapter M regulations.”
Subchapter M regulations were finalized by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2016. Vessels have the choice of being inspected annually by the Coast Guard or adopting a tow-safety management program.
RCP meets Subchapter M requirements for an existing tow-safety management program.
The AWO has made it its mission to ensure members operate according to the highest environmental and safety standards, the organization said.