RCP Accepted by USCG as Existing Safety Management System Under Subchapter M
11/23/16
On November 21 the U.S. Coast Guard formally accepted the AWO Responsible Carrier Program as an existing Safety Management System that complies with the requirements of Subchapter M. In a letter conveying the acceptance, RADM Paul Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, wrote, “This is a significant milestone in the implementation of Subchapter M and . . . your staff and your members are to be commended on this remarkable achievement. This is an important first step in instilling a culture of safety across the towing industry.”
RADM Thomas’s letter confirms that “With confirmation of full compliance with the RCP and of the requirements in Part 138.225 by a Third Party Organization (TPO), the TPO may issue a member company a TSMS certificate.” AWO will be meeting with the Coast Guard’s Subchapter M Implementation Team in December to discuss transition issues and facilitate members’ use of the RCP as a vehicle for compliance with the TSMS option under Subchapter M.
RADM Thomas’s letter confirms that “With confirmation of full compliance with the RCP and of the requirements in Part 138.225 by a Third Party Organization (TPO), the TPO may issue a member company a TSMS certificate.” AWO will be meeting with the Coast Guard’s Subchapter M Implementation Team in December to discuss transition issues and facilitate members’ use of the RCP as a vehicle for compliance with the TSMS option under Subchapter M.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Carpenter or Caitlyn Stewart at (703) 841-9300, extensions 260 or 262, respectively, or jcarpenter@americanwaterways.com or cstewart@americanwaterways.com.