TVIB News Industry Press

Investing in Excellence: Welcoming Our New Member Services Manager

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At TVIB, continuous improvement isn’t just a concept—it’s how we operate. Guided by the principles of the ISO 9001 framework, we are committed to building an organization that evolves thoughtfully, supports its people, and exceeds expectations.

As part of that journey, we’re excited to announce the return of the Member Services Manager position—a role designed to elevate our internal systems and enrich our member experience. This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to driving excellence in everything we do, from program development to operational execution.

Over the past year, our work has evolved with increased focus on:

  • Developing new training courses to meet industry needs
  • Enhancing engagement across our membership
  • Relaunching our working committee structure to foster collaboration and leadership
  • Advancing the use of technology to support our oversight role as a TPO

To accelerate these initiatives, we are reinstating the Member Services Manager role with the following objectives:

  • Strengthening our Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Supporting process improvement and cross-functional alignment
  • Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery
  • Leading training development and overseeing member-facing programs

We’re proud to share that Mara Booth Miller will join TVIB as our new Member Services Manager, effective Friday, August 1st.

Mara brings more than 25 years of maritime experience, most recently serving as the Director of Marine Assurance and Vetting at ACBL. She led audit readiness for 130+ vessels, managed third-party vetting, and served as liaison to the American Chemistry Council. She has deep expertise in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mara spent 13 years in roles focused on safety, operations, and training, including as Senior Instructor at the Coast Guard’s National Search and Rescue School. She is trained in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and brings a strong background in organizational development and process improvement.

Mara’s unique blend of operational insight, technical expertise, and leadership makes her a perfect fit for this dynamic, cross-functional role.

Please join us in welcoming Mara to the TVIB team. We’re excited for what’s ahead.

USCG: REVISIONS to NVIC 01-89 Change 1 Underwater Survey Guidance – UWILD Considerations

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Review of the Updated UWILD Policy

The updated UWILD policy has no direct impact on the brown water fleet. It emphasizes the importance of visibility during underwater surveys conducted by divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

Brown water operations—typically conducted in inland and coastal waterways such as rivers, canals, and bays—often involve confined waters and limited visibility. These conditions make it difficult to meet the policy’s visibility requirements, which state:

  • Water clarity must be sufficient for the diver or ROV to view the full height of the propeller and rudder in a single frame.

If this level of clarity cannot be achieved, operators must consider alternatives such as relocating the vessel, waiting for improved conditions, or drydocking.

Other key updates:

  • Expanded Eligibility:Vessels over 15 years old may qualify for UWILD with certain conditions and CG-CVC endorsement.
  • Third-Party Oversight:Unclassed ITVs operating under a TSMS can use their TPO to verify UWILDs without mandatory Coast Guard presence. Simplified documentation applies, and both the TPO and OCMI must be notified.
  • Harmonization:DD/ISE dates may now align with Load Line (LL) inspections for unclassed vessels.
  • Technology Use:ROVs equipped with advanced cameras and lighting may improve visibility in marginal conditions.

All other UWILD policy requirements remain unchanged.

TVIB FAQ – General Alarm Requirements – Subchapter M

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Where should audible and visual general alarm devices be positioned onboard Subchapter M towing vessels? 

We’ve published a new FAQ that explores the general alarm requirements under 46 CFR 143.235 and offers clear guidance on proper placement of alarms and supplemental flashing red lights. This resource includes helpful regulatory text and practical considerations for auditors, surveyors, and vessel operators. 

Take a few minutes to review the full FAQ to ensure your vessels meet all compliance expectations. 

Find Detailed Guidance in Our FAQ
For comprehensive answers and guidance visit the FAQ section on our website: TVIB FAQ. Use the search function with the term “general alarm” or navigate to 46 CFR Part 143 for relevant details.