TVIB News Training

SUB M: Is your internal auditor properly trained and free from conflicts of interest?

46 CFR Subchapter M 138.310(d)(2) requires those performing internal audits to have completed an ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 or ISO 9001:2008(E) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) internal auditor/assessor course or Coast Guard-recognized equivalent.

 

This is NOT the same as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course. The curriculum of an Internal Auditor course is different than a Lead Auditor course, just as an internal audit should be very different than an external/third-party audit.

TVIB has worked with ACTSafe Training for the past several years to support the Marine Internal Lead Auditor (MILA) course that is a Coast Guard-recognized equivalent that meets the requirements of §138.310(d)(2).

 

UPCOMING MILA COURSE: March 21st-22nd  REGISTER HERE

 

Additionally, in accordance with §138.310(d)(3) internal auditors may not be the designated person, or any other person, within the organization that is responsible for development or implementation of the TSMS; and §138.310(d)(4) requires that the internal auditor must be independent of the procedures being audited, unless this is impracticable due to the size and the nature of the organization.

It is in an organization’s best interest to use an auditor that is independent of the procedures being audited to avoid a case of “the fox watching the hen house.” The objectivity of the internal auditor is critical to an unbiased review of the organization’s TSMS. The purpose of the internal audit is to ensure the organization has the proper controls, governance and risk management processes in place, according to the Institute of Internal Auditors.

An easy or insufficient internal audit does the operator no favors. The internal activity, on the vessel and in the office, is designed to identify any gaps or deficiencies, to ensure compliance and improve the TSMS.

 

Please feel to reach out to our staff if you would like to discuss the differences between internal and external audits and the required training for those auditors.

Phone: 832-323-3992

REMINDER: LAST CALL ASTV Virtual Training Course Mar 14-16

This is a friendly reminder that there are a few spots available for our Annual Survey of Towing Vessels course *and* registration is open for the Subchapter M Auditor (TSMS) course.

Annual Survey of Towing Vessels Course-  March 14-16

Our Annual Survey of Towing Vessels course provides surveyors with the knowledge and skills required to perform TVIB TPO Subchapter M annual surveys of towing vessels. It has been designed to teach those who will be performing surveys as a part of an internal survey program, as well as those surveyors who wish to hold the credential to perform external surveys for TVIB.

Who Should Attend

Internal Surveyors: This course is designed for individuals seeking training on the requirements for Internal Surveyors as specified in section 137.315 Internal Survey Programs and are looking to become proficient at conducting Subchapter M compliant internal surveys under the oversight of a Third Party Organization “TPO.”

Third Party Surveyors: This course is also for those surveyors who wish to become a TVIB Certified Subchapter M Surveyor for Annual Surveys. TVIB requires this credential for those individuals who plan to work through TVIB to offer annual surveys to TPO customers. If you are interested in obtaining this credential, you will need to complete and submit the Surveyor Membership Application and application fee PRIOR to coming to class. 

  • Those individuals who want the training without becoming certified are not required to submit a TVIB membership application.
  • This course is open to TVIB members and non-members alike.

Register Now

Subchapter M Auditor (TSMS) Course-  April 11-12

Who Should Attend

  • Auditors who wish to become certified by TVIB to perform American Waterways Operators (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) audits and Subchapter M TSMS audits.
  • Those individuals who want the training without becoming certified are not required to submit a TVIB membership application.
  • Marine executives, HSE managers, operations managers, safety consultants and regulators seeking more in-depth information about the AWO RCP and Subchapter M.
  • Individuals who are interested in obtaining Subchapter M and/or the RCP training without becoming a certified auditor are welcome to attend the class.

 

Register Now

Welcome New TVIB Staff

Please join the rest of the staff and me in welcoming two new members to the TVIB team. Lori Gibson and Emily Hinojosa started with us just after the new year and work in our main office in the Houston area. They hit the ground running in their new positions as we recently held our first TVIB Talks of 2023 and are feverishly preparing for the upcoming Drydock/Internal Structural Examination Certification Course (DD/ISE) course, February 15-17. They have quickly become an asset and we are happy to have them on our team.


Lori Gibson has joined us as Training Coordinator.  In her role, Lori will lead the development of training opportunities for staff, TVIB members, and members of the public using learning tools such as online and traditional classroom training, webinars, podcasts, and a cloud-based learning management system (LMS). She will be collaborating with subject matter experts such as staff, our members, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel on the development of program materials. Lori will be working with the newly formed Professional Standards Committee (PSC) to develop the tools necessary to assess auditor and surveyor performance and develop curriculum to meet their needs.

Lori earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in English from the California State Polytechnic University of Pomona and brings 20 years of classroom experience with her. She has served as a master teacher to novice teachers and provided instructional support, classroom management, and engagement strategies to educators. Lori has facilitated and taught adult training and workshops. She considers herself a life-long learner and enjoys reading and learning about the newest research in best practices in instruction and technology integration.

Lori is married with two daughters and lives in a suburb of Houston. She is an animal lover and self-professed “cat lady.” Lori enjoys spending time with her family and dining out. In her free time, she likes to read, take walks, and binge watch her favorite shows or a good movie.


Emily Hinojosa has joined us as Training/Office Administrator. Emily will be coordinating our auditor and surveyor certification programs. She will manage all training and event coordination and registrations as well as conference/exhibit coordination. Emily brings with her an eye for design and will be spearheading our marketing efforts to advertise our training opportunities, strengthen our online presence using our website and social media channels, grow our FAQ page, and prepare print collateral.

Emily has worked primarily in retail management, most recently with The Home Depot, where she held roles in everything from Operations to Specialty Department Head. She has also worked in administrative roles in the construction, communications, and healthcare industries.

Emily was born in California but was a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana until she moved to Texas in 2016. She and her husband Johnny and son Myles Luka, along with their American bulldog Mack, live in a suburb of Houston where they recently purchased their first home. In her free time, she enjoys painting, volunteering at local shelters, cooking and baking, and spending time with family and friends.


Yes, Emily and Lori are both native Californians but as the saying goes “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.”

If you haven’t had the pleasure of speaking with them yet, please be sure to welcome them both when you get a chance, you will find their contact information on the Our Staff page on our website.

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