TVIB News

AWO: Jones Act

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Published by AWO on 10/30/2017

“On October 26, the Wall Street Journal editorial board published an anti-Jones Act editorial (accessible by subscription here) that inaccurately portrays the Jones Act as causing delay in the delivery of relief cargo to Puerto Rico and prolonging post-hurricane difficulties there.

In response, AWO is working with its partners at the American Maritime Partnership to distribute a one-page rebuttal of the Wall Street Journal editorial to Members of Congress, Administration officials, the media and other thought leaders influential on this issue. The rebuttal can be viewed here. Our goal is to ensure that as wide an audience as possible understands that the arguments made by the WSJ editorial board were incorrect, and to set the record straight on the true obstacles to Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery and the importance of the Jones Act.”

AWO is encouraging their members to distribute the rebuttal far and wide.

Click here to download AWO’s Rebuttal

USCG Recognized Marine Internal Lead Auditor (MILA) Course – LAST ONE for 2017

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The next U.S. Coast Guard recognized Marine Internal Lead Auditor Course (MILA) is being held November 14th & 15th in Houston, Texas. Seats are limited. Under Subchapter M, Internal Auditors are required to have this or other USCG recognized training as noted in 46 CFR 138.310(d)(2). This course is the only course specifically written for the Inland Brown Water industry and taught by trained instructors with USCG licenses and significant auditing experience. Bring your Subchapter M, TMSA, or RCP questions to the course.

Click here for More Information or to Register

USCG D8: Certificates of Alternative Compliance (COAC) for Day Shapes

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The U.S. Coast Guard’s Eighth District is prepared to issue Certificates of Alternative Compliance (COAC) to inland towing vessels for which day shapes are an unnecessary requirement when they utilize technology to facilitate effective communication during emergencies. The AWO and industry leaders raised concerns with the Commander of the Eight District about day shapes being obsolete in the presence of technological improvements for safety and communication.

For a company to obtain a COAC, they should submit a written request to the Eighth Coast Guard District Chief of Prevention. COACs are intended for inland towing vessels operating exclusively on Internal Waters as defined in 33 CFR 2.24 within the Eighth Coast Guard District as defined by 33 CFR 3.40-1(b). The request must be accompanied with additional information as noted in the July 19, 2017 letter RADM Callahan to the AWO.

Click here to download the Day Shapes letter.