September 2025 — TVIB is proud to announce that Rio Marine, Inc. has become the first maritime services provider to achieve certification under the American Waterways Operators’ (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program® (RCP).
The RCP is a safety management system for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry that sets rigorous standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement. To earn certification, a company must undergo a comprehensive third-party audit that evaluates policies, procedures, and implementation across its operations.
This milestone was achieved through a third-party audit that evaluates compliance across management systems, employee practices, and operational performance. Capt. David A. Foret Jr. of the ACTion group supported Rio Marine during the preparation phase. Capt. Foret was originally certified as an auditor by AWO and is now credentialed by TVIB as a certified TVIB auditor. The ACTion group, which celebrated its 26th year in business this past April, provides compliance, training, and safety services to the maritime industry.
Michael Breslin, Senior Director of Safety and Sustainability at AWO, underscored the significance of this milestone:
“Rio Marine Inc. is now truly in a league of its own, having earned the first RCP Certification awarded to a Maritime Services Provider in AWO’s membership. Their dedication to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that define AWO membership.”
Founded in 1929, Rio Marine, Inc. operates across eleven locations nationwide and provides a wide range of services, including electrical, hydraulic, and navigation systems, engineering, and vessel repair. By completing this certification, Rio has reinforced its leadership in advancing safety and operational integrity.
Jeffrey Threadgill, Vice President of Safety at Rio Marine, explained the motivation behind pursuing RCP certification:
“At Rio Marine, a commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence isn’t just good business—it’s the right thing to do. Pursuing the Responsible Carrier Program certification was a natural extension of those values. It provided a clear, industry-recognized framework to evaluate and strengthen our safety management systems, environmental stewardship, and compliance practices.”
He emphasized that the decision was not only about systems but about people:
“We wanted every employee, every customer, and every vendor to trust that Rio Marine operates at the highest standard of professionalism and responsibility. The RCP certification signals that commitment—not just in words, but through action and accountability.”
Threadgill reflected on the importance of being first:
“Being the first service provider certified under the RCP program is both an honor and a strategic decision for Rio Marine. We saw it as an opportunity to lead by example and help set the standard for safety and operational excellence within our industry segment.”
Threadgill noted that the certification process strengthened Rio Marine internally:
“One of the most valuable parts of the RCP certification process was the internal alignment it created across all departments. It forced us to take a close, honest look at our procedures—not just what was written down, but how we apply them in day-to-day operations in the field. It opened the door for productive conversations between operations, safety, and leadership teams, and it empowered frontline employees to shape safety practices.”
Threadgill encouraged peers in the maritime services sector to embrace the challenge:
“Don’t treat RCP certification as just a compliance exercise—treat it as an opportunity to elevate your entire organization. Engage your team early and often, be open to what you find, and use the process as a roadmap for growth in safety, leadership, and accountability. The investment pays off far beyond the certification—it transforms how your business operates.”
Threadgill closed by stressing that certification is only the beginning:
“We want the inland towing community to know that this certification is not the finish line for Rio Marine—it’s a starting point for even greater accountability and continuous improvement. We’re proud to stand alongside our customers and partners who take safety seriously, and we’re ready to keep building a culture of excellence together.”
This accomplishment also demonstrates how TVIB’s mission extends beyond its work as a Third-Party Organization (TPO) under Subchapter M/TSMS compliance. Through RCP audits, TVIB auditors support not only towing vessel operators but also affiliate members, expanding their role in fostering industry-wide safety and compliance.
