TVIB News Ashley Olson

The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB), in partnership with The Waterways Journal is honored to recognize Joseph M. Tyson as the 2026 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award recipient, awarded posthumously.

The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award was established to honor individuals whose careers reflect an enduring commitment to service, leadership, and the advancement of the inland marine industry. It recognizes those who lead with integrity, invest in others, and leave a lasting impact through safety, mentorship, and professional excellence.

Joe Tyson’s 41-year career with Canal Barge Company, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations, exemplified these values in every respect. He was nominated for this recognition based on his profound influence across the industry, his dedication to building a culture of safety, and his commitment to developing the next generation of maritime leaders.

Throughout his career, Joe was known as a steadfast champion of safety. His leadership helped establish and strengthen the safety culture at Canal Barge Company, shaping policies and practices that continue to guide operations today. The standards and expectations he set have had a lasting impact, supporting safe operations across crews, fleets, and the broader industry.

Joe’s contributions extended well beyond his organization. Through his involvement with key industry groups, including the AWO Standards Board and RIETF, he played an important role in advancing modern towing vessel standards, safety management systems, and collaborative approaches to complex operational challenges. His ability to work effectively with regulatory partners and industry stakeholders helped foster trust, alignment, and progress during pivotal moments for the industry.

Equally important was Joe’s commitment to mentorship. He was deeply invested in the growth and development of others, from new mariners entering the industry to emerging leaders within Canal Barge Company and beyond. His influence can be seen in the many individuals he guided, supported, and inspired throughout his career. His legacy lives on in those he mentored and in the leadership they continue to provide today.

Joe Tyson will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for the way he approached his work and his relationships with others—with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to doing what was right.

TVIB is proud to honor Joseph M. Tyson with the 2026 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award and to recognize the lasting impact he has made on the inland marine industry.

The award will be formally presented at the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) 2026 in Nashville, TN where industry leaders gather to recognize excellence and leadership across the inland marine community.

Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award

TVIB is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award.

This award recognizes individuals in the towing vessel and maritime community who consistently demonstrate the values Mike Rushing represented throughout his life and career—steady leadership, service-first character, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Each year, this award gives our industry an opportunity to recognize those who lead by example, serve their communities, and mentor the next generation of maritime professionals.

What the Award Recognizes

The Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding:

Community Service

Those who show up, give back, and strengthen the communities they live and work in—often without seeking recognition.

Professional Excellence

Individuals who consistently raise the bar through their work, leadership, and dedication to safety and integrity in the maritime industry.

Mentorship

Those who invest in others, share their knowledge, and help develop the next generation of leaders in the towing vessel community.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Service

Mike Rushing’s legacy represents the very best of our industry.

He was known for his steady presence, his strong character, and his ability to lead in a way that made others better—whether through direct mentorship, professional guidance, or simply the way he carried himself in every situation.

This award is a meaningful way to keep that legacy alive and to recognize those who carry that same spirit forward.

Past Recipients

TVIB is proud to recognize the past recipients of the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award:

• 2025: Cathy Hammond
• 2024 (Inaugural Year): George Foster

These individuals reflect the heart of what this award stands for: leadership rooted in service, professionalism, and a commitment to others.

Who Should You Nominate?

If someone immediately comes to mind—a person who:

• leads with integrity
• mentor’s others consistently
• shows up for the industry and their community
• quietly raises the standard for everyone around them

…we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Often, the people most deserving of recognition are not the ones seeking it.

Submit Your Nomination

Nomination deadline: March 1, 2026
Submit here: thetvib.org/mikerushing

Help Spread the Word

One of the best ways to ensure strong nominations is to make sure the entire industry hears about it.

If you believe in recognizing the people who make a lasting impact, please share this announcement with your colleagues and networks.

Together, we can ensure the right people are recognized—and that Mike Rushing’s legacy continues to inspire the industry.

#TVIB #Maritime #TowingVessel #Leadership #Mentorship #CommunityService #MaritimeSafety #SeamensChurchInstitute #WaterwaysJournal

 

Spotlight: Jo Ann Campbell, Owner of Salyers Solutions

Gaining an Auditor’s Perspective: How TVIB’s Subchapter M Auditor Course Strengthened a Consultant’s Approach

TVIB’s Subchapter M Auditor Course is designed to equip maritime professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to conduct both management and vessel audits in accordance with 46 CFR Subchapter M. The training combines classroom instruction with practical exercises, real-world case studies, and peer discussion to ensure participants leave confident in their understanding of audit principles, documentation, and field application.

Whether attendees are new to auditing or experienced in compliance and safety management, the course provides a comprehensive foundation for those pursuing TVIB Auditor Certification or seeking to strengthen their organization’s safety management system.

In this participant spotlight, TVIB is featuring Jo Ann Campbell, Owner and Consultant at Salyers Solutions, a maritime compliance and safety consulting firm.

Jo Ann recently attended TVIB’s Subchapter M Auditor Course at our training facility in Houston, Texas. With her deep experience supporting towing vessel operators, when asked why she joined the course she mentioned, “As an experienced auditor who attended one of TVIB’s first Subchapter M training sessions, I wanted to see how the course has evolved.”

She found that the updated course offered a clear, methodical path for both new and experienced auditors alike.  “The course structure paved the walkway starting from the foundation of being an auditor to the steps needed to perform and complete an audit. The overall learning environment was excellent, from the visual presentation to the hands-on group exercises. The instructor allowed time for discussions and ‘sea stories’ while maintaining the flow of the course.”

Although she initially intended to observe quietly, Jo Ann quickly found herself back in the role of a full participant, “No such luck,” she laughed. “I was placed in the class as a participant and was involved in all aspects of the training. It ended up being a great refresher.”

She walked away with two major reminders that shape every audit she conducts:

• Every audit requires the full process. “Even though I work with many of the same companies, each audit must follow all steps—especially developing a fresh audit plan for each job.”
• Words matter. “When writing findings, the reader—whether TPO, USCG, or client—needs to visualize what you’re describing as if they were onboard or reviewing the TSMS.”

Working independently as a consultant, Jo Ann particularly valued the group interaction and collaboration the course encouraged.  “Because I work for myself, I don’t have much interaction with other auditors. The group exercises and discussions gave me new perspectives and put me back on track to the basics of the auditing process.”

For those considering the course, Jo Ann offers clear advice:

“Whether this is the career path you’re pursuing, or your company simply wants a deeper understanding of the external auditor’s role, this course provides an excellent foundation and the confidence to perform and participate in audits effectively.”

Jo Ann also credits the TVIB training team and support staff for creating an environment of professionalism and guidance.  “Having instructors like Tava, Caleb, and Ken—who all have maritime backgrounds—is invaluable. They bring real-world insight to every discussion. And the support staff keeps the entire process running smoothly.”

For Jo Ann, the TVIB Subchapter M Auditor Course served as both a technical refresher and a professional reset. It reaffirmed that even the most experienced auditors benefit from revisiting the fundamentals—ensuring every audit is approached with clarity, precision, and a fresh perspective.

Jo Ann’s experience reflects how TVIB’s training programs help professionals across the towing industry gain the skills and confidence needed to promote safe, compliant operations.

Our Subchapter M Auditor Course continues to equip participants with practical auditing tools, deeper understanding of regulatory expectations, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their organizations’ safety management systems.

 

About Jo Ann Campbell

Jo Ann Campbell is the Owner and Consultant at Salyers Solutions, where she provides safety, compliance, and operational consulting services to towing vessel operators and maritime organizations. Drawing on decades of industry experience, Jo Ann partners with companies to strengthen their management systems, prepare for audits, and foster a proactive culture of compliance and safety. She is also a TPO Sub M Auditor and external surveyor.