Lloyd's Register Approved as Third-Party Auditor for AWO Responsible Carrier Program
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has approved Lloyd's Register 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. In order to be in compliance with the RCP – a condition of AWO membership – member companies must undergo recurring management and vessel audits by an approved independent third-party entity.
In 2016, the Coast Guard finalized its Subchapter M regulations establishing towing vessel safety and inspection requirements. Under Subchapter M, vessel operators can choose between adopting a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) or having their vessels boarded annually for inspection by the Coast Guard. AWO's RCP has been approved by the Coast Guard as an existing towing safety management system that meets Subchapter M requirements.
"We're excited to join the AWO family and add our expertise in small vessels, towboats, and the inland waterways," commented Mark Darley, President of Lloyd's Register North America, Inc. and Marine Manager for the Americas. "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."
"We welcome Lloyd's Register as an approved third-party auditor for AWO's Responsible Carrier Program," commented AWO President & CEO Tom Allegretti. "One of AWO's core missions is to ensure that its member companies operate according to the highest safety and environmental standards, and the success of the RCP in accomplishing this objective depends on utilization of high-quality auditors like Lloyd's Register."
Lloyd's Register has a long-standing reputation for integrity, impartiality and technical excellence. Its compliance, risk and technical consultancy services give clients confidence that their assets and businesses are safe, sustainable, and dependable. Through its global technology centers and research network, Lloyd's Register is at the forefront of understanding the application of new science and technology to future-proof its clients' businesses.
AWO has a 73-year history as the national advocate for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry and is a recognized leader in maritime safety and environmental stewardship. Aligning AWO's industry expertise and robust safety management system with the safety culture and experience of Lloyd's Register will support AWO's membership in meeting the technical, operational and regulatory challenges associated with the Subchapter M requirements.
About AWO
The American Waterways Operators is the national trade association representing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, which operates on the rivers, the Great Lakes, and along the coasts and in the harbors of the United States. Barge transportation serves the nation as the safest, most environmentally friendly and most economical mode of freight transportation. For more information about AWO, please visit www.americanwaterways.com.
About Lloyd's Register
Lloyd's Register (LR) is a global engineering, technical and business services organisation wholly owned by the Lloyd's Register Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to research and education in science and engineering. Founded in 1760 as a marine classification society, LR now operates across many industry sectors, with some 8,000 employees in 78 countries. www.lr.org; www.lr.org/subchapterm
SOURCE American Waterways Operators
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