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TVIB Blog – Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award

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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

 

TVIB FAQ – Subchapter M requirements regarding warning signs on towing winches

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What does Subchapter M require regarding warning signs on towing winches?

This FAQ provides a clear, practical overview of Subchapter M requirements for towing winches under 46 CFR §143.460(d). It is designed to help vessel owners, operators, and crews quickly understand when warning signage is required and why safeguards must never be disabled. Use this guidance to support safe operations and inspection readiness.

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 “winches” or navigate to 46 CFR §143.460(d) for relevance details.

USCG Now Accepts Aluminum Flammable-Liquid Storage Cabinets on Weather Decks for Subchapter M Towing Vessels

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What Owners, Operators, and Crews Need to Know

Published: December 12, 2025

The U.S. Coast Guard has released new guidance that directly impacts towing vessel operators subject to 46 CFR Subchapter M. Aluminum flammable-liquid storage cabinets may now be accepted on weather decks of Inspected Towing Vessels (ITVs) provided they meet specific construction and installation criteria.

 

** This policy does not apply to vessels subject to SOLAS requirements. **

 

USCG’s New Position: Aluminum Cabinets May Be Accepted as an Equivalent

Under 46 CFR §136.115 (a), the Coast Guard may approve alternatives that provide an equivalent level of safety. After reviewing performance, safety measures, and vessel applications, the USCG has determined that properly constructed aluminum cabinets can meet the intent of the fire-protection requirements when installed on weather decks.

The policy acknowledges that:

  • Aluminum has lower fire-resistance properties than steel,
  • But additional design and placement measures can offset this difference,
  • While also solving the corrosion and durability problems associated with steel cabinets exposed to the elements.

 

Key Requirements: What an Aluminum Storage Cabinet Must Have

To qualify, aluminum flammable-liquid storage cabinets used on weather decks must meet all criteria in Enclosure (1) of the policy. Highlights include:

Construction Requirements

  • Minimum ¼-inch aluminum for frame and shell
  • Fully welded construction
  • Maximum volume of 30 cubic feet
  • Raised door sill (≥2 inches) to contain spills
  • Latch-equipped doors
  • Permanent marking:
    “FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY”
    (contrasting color, letters ≥2 inches tall)

 

Location Requirements

  • Positioned as far as practicable from machinery spaces, exhaust outlets, and escape routes
  • Stowed away from ignition sources

 

Operational and Safety Requirements

  • Secured to the vessel per 46 CFR §142.225
  • A 40-B portable fire extinguisher located within a 30-ft travel distance
  • Contents limited to the minimum amounts necessary for vessel operations, not exceeding 120 gallons per cabinet
  • Cabinet must be repaired or replaced if deemed unserviceable by the local OCMI

 

Questions?

The Coast Guard encourages operators to reach out with questions regarding this policy:

The full policy letter is available @ U.S. Coast Guard Policy Letter 05-25 – Acceptance of Aluminum Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets