Pandemic Information & Resources for the Towing Industry
Your AWO staff is committed to providing resources for you as your companies, our industry and our country navigate the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This means ensuring you have access to critical health and safety information and official government and public health guidance to enable informed decision making as the COVID-19 outbreak rapidly progresses and evolves. The resources linked on this webpage can help you take steps to protect vessel crewmembers and other employees from COVID-19 and respond to suspected cases of COVID-19 as you work to move maritime commerce safely and steadily in support of our national economy.
AWO Resources
- NEW: Sample protocols and procedures for cleaning and decontamination post-disembarkation of vessel by a suspected COVID-19 crewmember.
- NEW: Sample protocols and procedures for the planned assessment, actions, and reporting for a suspected COVID-19 crewmember illness.
- A template letter to identify marine towing employees as essential critical infrastructure personnel – pursuant to DHS Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s Memorandum of Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during COVID-19 Response – which can be reproduced on company letterhead.
- A template letter that can be used to provide state or local government officials with the information provided by the Department of Homeland Security in the CISA memo, which can be reproduced on company letterhead.
- Click here for the RCP Standards Board memorandum regarding internal audit extension requests due to COVID-19.
- Click here to view a recording of AWO’s 03/19/2020 webinar, Addressing COVID-19: Preparedness Planning in Action!
- Click here for AWO’s updated COVID-19 Contingency Planning Guide for Towing Vessel and Barge Operators, Version 2.0.
- Click here for a short video message from AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter discussing AWO’s ongoing efforts in greater detail.
Official Government and Public Health Guidance
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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U.S. Coast Guard
- NEW: MSIB 11-20, Maintaining Maritime Commerce and Identification of Essential Maritime Critical Infrastructure Workers
- NEW: MSIB 10-20, Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements
- New: MSIB 09-20: Vessel Inspections, Exams, and Documentation
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mariner Credentialing Program Impacts – Update #1
- MSIB 08-20: Novel Coronavirus - Mariner Credentials
- MSIB 07-20: Novel Coronavirus – Port and Facility Operations
- MSIB 02-20, Change 3: Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 3)
- MSIB 06-20: Vessel Reporting Requirements for Illness or Death
- Questions: OutbreakQuestions@uscg.mil
- Certain Area Commands and Districts have also issued MSIBs. Companies are encouraged to consult with their sector or district office(s) for local and regional guidance.
- International Maritime Organization
- Transport Canada
- Transportation Security Administration
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
Other Maritime Industry Resources
- NEW: Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) COVID-19 Update Bulletin – The availability and use of SIRE/OVID Inspection Reports
- NEW: Discovery Health MD Coronavirus Corner
Other Resources for Businesses
- NEW: Coronavirus Emergency Loans – Small Business Guide and Checklist
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Fusion Pandemic Readiness Toolkit
This page will be updated as new information becomes available. If you see out-of-date information or wish to see additional resources added to this webpage, please email safety@americanwaterways.com.