AWO Letter - April 15, 2026

MARAD Begins Reporting on Foreign Vessels Operating under Jones Act Waiver. Following the legal requirement of 46 U.S. Code Section 501(c), the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has begun publishing information it receives from foreign vessel operators on the voyages made under the March 17 Jones Act waiver.  AWO is closely reviewing the foreign vessels, voyages, and cargos in these reports and encouraging Congressional oversight to understand how they were necessary in the interest of national defense to address an immediate adverse effect on military operations, the legal standard for a 501(a) waiver. 

AWO Engaged in Capitol Hill Jones Act Advocacy Blitz. AWO is in the midst of an intensive legislative advocacy campaign to inform Members of Congress that the 60-day blanket Jones Act waiver is not only unnecessary, but a direct threat to the domestic maritime industry. Focusing especially on maritime districts and Members who sit on the Agriculture and Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate, we have met with staff from dozens of offices to reinforce to policymakers why the Jones Act exists, explain how waiving it undermines America's economic and national security, and emphasize that the waiver should not be a talking point in the effort to lower gasoline prices since it does not achieve that goal. Our message is being well received as we work to build a coalition of lawmakers to amplify our message.

Coast Guard Provides Updated Guidance on e-Medical Certificates. Following the National Maritime Center's (NMC) announcement that it would begin issuing some medical certificates via email upon its reopening, AWO engaged with NMC leadership to seek out additional information on the implementation of electronic medical certificates. In recent updated guidance, the NMC clarified how mariners can e-sign their certificate on a mobile device, which is required for an electronic medical certificate to be valid, and how to use a QR code that will be included on certificates to verify the validity of the certificate. The NMC confirmed to AWO that emailed medical certificates will be sent to all emails listed on the mariner's application, including authorized third parties. AWO is also advocating with the Coast Guard to ensure consistent acceptance of electronic medical certificates by all inspectors. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Parsons. 

SOCP Releases Maritime SASH Prevention and Response Training. The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP), in partnership with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), recently released an "immersive eLearning course [that] leverages realistic onboard scenarios, interactive decision-making, and adaptive learning paths to ensure mariners not only understand policy -- but can apply it in real-world situations." This training fulfills the annual training requirement under the EMBARC Standards Program for commercial vessels carrying maritime academy cadets and is designed to support compliance with the Safer Seas Act. To access this training and other resources, access the AWO SASH Resources and Training Materials in the member resource center on the AWO website. 

Federal Government Defends VIDA Rulemaking in Court. In response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) publication of its final rule on Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance, the California State Lands Commission and several other petitioners challenged the rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. AWO met with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure the government understood the importance of implementing the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) and why we believe California's claims are meritless. In a recently submitted brief, the DOJ and EPA fully defended the final rule and addressed issues of key importance to AWO on ballast water and biofouling. AWO will closely monitor this litigation through the summer briefing schedule and continue advocating for timely publication of the forthcoming Coast Guard proposed rules to implement EPA's performance standards. 

AWO Comments on Streamlined Inspection Program. AWO recently submitted formal comments to the Coast Guard's Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance in response to its request for information to improve the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP).

Informed by member feedback and industry experience, AWO's recommendations focus primarily on the Tank Barge Streamlined Inspection Program (TBSIP) used by qualified tank barge operators in the Heartland and Great Lakes Districts as an alternative to traditional Coast Guard inspection. AWO called for expanding the TBSIP nationwide and identified opportunities to improve its flexibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. AWO also urged the Coast Guard to ensure any changes to the SIP complement the TBSIP and the TSMS option under Subchapter M.

AWO Participates in OCIMF Human Factors Committee. AWO recently participated in an OCIMF Human Factors Committee in-person workshop in Houston. The committee is tasked with advising all OCIMF programs and committees on how to integrate human factors into their products. Over two days, OCIMF and AWO representatives reviewed the forthcoming OCIMF Human Factors Guide, due out in the second quarter of 2026, and developed plans for how the group will approach SIRE, TMSA, ISGOTT, and other programs. The AWO BPQ & BIQ Advisory Group (ABBA) was formed to direct AWO's participation in this and other OCIMF-related work. Interested members may contact Mike Breslin for details on how to get involved.

AWO Members Awarded Marine Highway Grants. MARAD recently announced the recipients of $13.2 million in U.S. Marine Highway Program (USMHP) funds. Among the 2025 awardees are AWO members Shaver Transportation Company and Tidewater Barge Line. Shaver received funding for the construction of a new 3,600-ton capacity barge, and Tidewater received funding for the conversion of four double-hull chemical barges. Both projects are on the M-84 Marine Highway Route that includes the Columbia, Willamette and Snake Rivers. The USMHP is a MARAD grant program for projects on designated Marine Highway Routes that relieve landside congestion and provide other public benefits by increasing the efficiency of the surface transportation system.

Two MARAD Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications. The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and Small Shipyard Grant Program have been opened for application. The PIDP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been issued for 2026 with $488.6 million available in federal grants. The PIDP funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. PIDP grant applications are due June 26, 2026.

The Small Shipyard Grant Program NOFO has also been released for 2026 and makes $35 million available to small shipyards. This program is designed to support small shipyard projects to make capital and related improvements or provide training for workers in shipbuilding, ship repair, and associated industries. The Small Shipyard grant application deadline is May 11, 2026.

AWO Advances Legislative Advocacy on Ohio River Restoration Bill.  AWO is making progress convincing members of Congress that the Ohio River Restoration Program Act -- legislation to establish a new EPA office with jurisdiction over the entire Ohio River basin -- is a direct threat to safe navigation on the Ohio River and its tributaries. Following dissemination of an AWO-led coalition letter to House and Senate transportation leaders and direct advocacy from AWO Board Chairman Patrick Sutton of American Commercial Barge Line, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), who was an original cosponsor, removed his name from the legislation. 

AWO Submits Comments on Proposed Remote Bridge Operations in Texas. AWO recently submitted comments to the U.S. Coast Guard on two proposals that would allow remote operation of railroad drawbridges crossing the San Bernard River and the Old Brazos River in Texas. AWO reiterated longstanding safety and operational concerns associated with remotely operated bridges and encouraged continued engagement between the Coast Guard, bridge owners, and maritime stakeholders.

While acknowledging that recent test operations on the San Bernard River have proceeded smoothly, AWO emphasized that positive experiences in individual cases do not eliminate broader industry concerns. In both letters, AWO urged the Coast Guard to fully investigate incidents, apply rigorous review standards, require timely fallback to local control when systems fail, and ensure bridges remain safely operable for navigation. AWO will continue advocating for clear safety standards that protect mariners and support safe and efficient waterway operations.

AWO Visits Conrail Remote Bridge Operations Center. AWO Atlantic Region members recently had the opportunity to visit Conrail's Remote Bridge Operation and Dispatch Center in Mount Laurel, NJ, where they learned more about how Conrail conducts remote bridge operations and engaged directly with Conrail representatives responsible for overseeing those activities. While AWO continues to oppose most requests for remote bridge operations due to longstanding and unresolved safety concerns associated with past incidents, the visit provided members with a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how a bridge owner approaches remote operations, considers operational impacts on the maritime industry, and incorporates safety considerations into its practices.

AWO members appreciated the opportunity to observe Conrail's safety-focused approach and reported that the visit helped provide additional context around how remote bridge operations are managed, while reinforcing the importance of addressing historical concerns. AWO appreciates the opportunity to visit Conrail's facilities and looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue in support of safe and efficient operations across all modes of freight transportation.

NOAA Seeks Input on Potential Changes to Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. NOAA recently published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking input on potential changes to the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The agency is considering whether to replace mandatory seasonal speed restrictions -- which currently require vessels 65 feet and longer to operate at 10 knots in designated areas -- with technology-based strike-avoidance measures and more flexible management zones.

Members with questions or perspectives they would like to see reflected in AWO's comments should contact Liam Morcroft.

American Maritime Podcast Hosts FMC Chairman on Strengthening American Maritime. Laura DiBella, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, recently joined AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter for an episode of the American Maritime Podcast. During the episode, which was recorded before the Trump Administration's issuance of a broad 60-day Jones Act waiver, Jennifer and Chairman DiBella discussed the role of the FMC in shaping and regulating ocean-shipping as it relates to American cargo; American efforts to counteract China's growing maritime capacity and investments in the Western Hemisphere; and the fundamental importance of the Jones Act to American economic and national security. Watch the full episode here.  

AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring an overview of several upcoming electoral developments, including a closer look at the congressional race in Iowa's 3rd District and  potential changes to Virginia's congressional map. This edition also includes updated ratings for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and gubernatorial races across the country.

AWO PAC is the connected political action committee for The American Waterways Operators and serves as the trade association's separate segregated fund. As a trade association, AWO is prohibited from using general treasury funds or membership dues to make federal contributions. AWO is one of the most effective advocacy associations in Washington, DC, and relies on voluntary personal contributions to fund AWO PAC.

AWO PAC supports federal candidates who are champions of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry and who are leaders on issues important to our industry. AWO PAC is dedicated to protecting AWO members' investments in the safest, most environmentally responsible and most economical mode of freight transportation and safeguarding the integrity of the Jones Act to protect the bottom lines of our members.

AWO PAC may solicit contributions from individuals of a member company once the member representative gives AWO written prior approval.