Why Participate in AWO?
Being an AWO member means enjoying benefits that establish you and your organization as an industry leader. You gain:
-
A voice in Washington, D.C. and your region – We advocate with Congress, federal agencies, and state leaders to ensure the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry is heard.
-
Programs that work for you – From Coast Guard-approved compliance tools to safety initiatives, AWO provides resources to strengthen your business.
-
Community and leadership opportunities – Meet peers, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions that move our industry forward.
-
Industry visibility – Through outreach and education, AWO highlights the economic, environmental, and security contributions of our members.
-
Organization-wide access – Being an AWO member means that your entire organization can access member benefits. This collective access ensures that your team stays informed, connected, and empowered to contribute to the industry’s growth and success.
How to Get Involved
Your membership is most valuable when you lean in and take full advantage of what AWO has to offer. Here are five ways to maximize your return on investment starting today.
PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL AND GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
Participate in National and Grassroots Advocacy to strengthen the industry’s voice where it matters most:
- On Capitol Hill – Educating lawmakers and securing policies that help our industry thrive. Join AWO for the Barge-In every May to share industry stories and priorities.
- With Federal & State Agencies – Building trusted relationships with the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and regulators nationwide. Join State Barge-Ins and other grassroots opportunities to meet with local lawmakers and amplify the message.
- Through the Coast Guard–AWO Safety Partnership – A non-regulatory forum that improves safety and sustainability across the industry. Join Sector Luncheons and find common ground on important issues.
- By Hosting Vessel Tours – Giving policymakers a firsthand look at what our members do every day on the water.
CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ATTEND MEETINGS & EVENTS
Spring Convention, Barge-In & Board of Directors Meeting (Washington, D.C.). Get key policy updates, network with leaders, and join us for AWO’s signature annual “Barge-In” on Capitol Hill to advocate for our industry.
Fall Convention & Board of Directors Meeting. Explore emerging issues and connect with industry leaders in a new city each year.
Regional Meetings & Roundtables. Stay plugged into local issues, build relationships with nearby members, and hear directly from Coast Guard leadership in your region at Sector Luncheons and Meetings.
Safety Meetings.Twice a year, members come together with industry peers to share lessons learned, discuss emerging risks, and collaborate on raising the bar for safety and sustainability. Safety Meetings also feature AWO's HERO Award, honoring rescues undertaken by AWO member company employees that demonstrate selflessness, skill and bravery.
Register for a meeting today. Meetings are included with your membership dues.
USE SAFETY AND SECURITY TOOLS & PROGRAMS - JUST FOR MEMBERS
AWO develops programs that simplify compliance, improve safety, and strengthen your company’s operations:
- Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) – A Coast Guard-approved safety management system that helps meet or exceed Subchapter M requirements. Compliance with the RCP is required of carrier members.
- Alternative Security Program (ASP) – A practical security plan recognized by the Coast Guard.
- Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) – Simplified compliance for inland tank barge and towing vessel operators with emergency towing needs.
- Safety Statistics Reporting Program (SSRP) – Submit safety performance every quarter and benchmark against peers, both inland and coastal.
JOIN A WORKING GROUP
Participating in an AWO working group or committee gives members a meaningful way to help shape industry policy, contribute their expertise, and collaborate with peers on the most pressing issues affecting the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. These groups provide a direct avenue to inform AWO’s advocacy, safety, and environmental efforts, while also offering professional growth and greater visibility within the industry. By getting involved, your company ensures its perspective is represented and helps amplify the collective strength of the AWO membership.
STAY CONNECTED WITH MEMBERS AND AWO
As a member, you’ll always be in the know — with exclusive access to communications, resources, and networking opportunities that keep you informed and connected.
- Newsletters & Alerts – Get timely updates on policy, safety, and industry developments that impact your business. Emailed to you and shared exclusively in the AWO mobile app.
- AWO Mobile App – Access news, resources, and event details from anywhere.
- Online Education Portal – Expand your team’s knowledge with courses, training, and best practices.
- Member Directories – Be included in our industry-wide directories to connect with fellow members and leaders. One directory is available to search by name, and another to search by services and products provided. Available in your member portal.
Email AWO if your organization is a member and you’d like access.
