The American Waterways Operators - Annual Reports 2016 | Page 8

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Safety & Environmental
Stewardship
OUR FRANCHISE TO OPERATE
The number one goal of AWO’s strategic plan is to lead and support members in continuously improving safety,
security and environmental stewardship. 2016 was a milestone year in our industry’s quarter-century journey
to be leaders in safety and environmental stewardship, as landmark regulations establishing a comprehensive
inspection regime for towing vessels were published in June. The new regulations, known as Subchapter M,
are the culmination of more than a decade of work by the U.S. Coast Guard in partnership with AWO. The
regulations establish minimum safety standards for towing vessels and build on existing safety protocols
voluntarily initiated by AWO members, an innovative and practical approach to raising safety and environmental
standards industry-wide.
Throughout 2016, AWO worked with the Coast Guard to educate members and non-members on the new rules
and develop clear and practical implementation policy.
AMERICAN WATERWAYS OPERATORS