AWO Letter - October 23, 2025
10/27/25
AWO Is Here to Help with Shutdown-Related Disruptions. Since the government shutdown began, AWO has been working with members and the Coast Guard to address urgent issues with the delivery of critical government services and ensure the continuity of maritime commerce. We are in touch with the National Vessel Documentation Center and the National Pollution Funds Center regarding stopgap guidance for the issuance of Certificates of Documentation and Certificates of Financial Responsibility, as well as other key headquarters offices and field units. If you need help, please don't hesitate to contact Caitlyn Stewart.
Coast Guard Extends Validity of Credentials Expiring During Shutdown. The National Maritime Center (NMC) announced several mitigation efforts to provide relief to mariners while the NMC and Regional Exam Centers remain closed during the government shutdown.
-
National Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates that expire in October 2025 remain valid until December 31, 2025.
- Mariners with STCW endorsements must follow a separate process to request dispensations.
- Designated Examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire in October are extended until February 28, 2026.
- Additional information letters, approval to test letters, course completion certificates, and examinations are extended for periods outlined in the announcement.
AWO will continue advocating for extensions and mitigation efforts as the government shutdown continues. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Parsons.
CPA Report: Jones Act is a Cornerstone of U.S. Shipbuilding. The Coalition for a Prosperous America's new report How to Solve America's Shipbuilding Crisis examines how the shipbuilding supply chain is vital to national defense, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and energy infrastructure. While noting that the full Jones Act fleet includes more than 40,000 vessels operating in domestic commerce, the report focuses on the construction of large, oceangoing vessels and how that segment of the maritime industry has been under severe threat from the People's Republic of China. The report concludes that the U.S. needs a comprehensive shipbuilding response with "strengthening and expanding the Jones Act" as its first recommendation.
Coast Guard Releases Guidance on Cybersecurity Training. The U.S. Coast Guard has published Policy Letter 01-25 to provide more information on its requirements for cybersecurity training, which take effect in January 2026 for vessels and facilities regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Key points from the guidance include:
- Cybersecurity training can be documented without resubmitting vessel security plans; the necessary information for training records is detailed in the guidance.
- Personnel who have not received cybersecurity training and require access to the vessel may be escorted, either in person or virtually.
- Operators have the option to train contractors according to employee protocols based on their system access, or to verify that contractor training is compliant with regulatory requirements.
AWO will reconvene the Cybersecurity Training Working Group to consider potential revisions to our recently issued cybersecurity training outline and provide timely updates to ensure members have access to current guidance and resources. For questions or concerns, please contact Liam Morcroft.
CA Governor Vetoes Indirect Source Rule. As the California legislative session concluded, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his veto of SB 34, which would force the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to implement an indirect source rule (ISR) to control air pollution at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The bill was vetoed for a number of reasons, but notably, Gov. Newsom did not want to interrupt the collaborative progress made by California ports and SCAQMD to arrive at a less draconian solution. AWO shares that sentiment and has endorsed the collaborative process adopted by all parties as we seek to ensure any new regulations will not hamper cargo throughput or undermine members' operations in any other way. Please contact Kyle Burleson with any questions.
AMP Votes to Extend Jennifer Carpenter's Term as President. On October 21, the American Maritime Partnership's Board of Directors voted to extend AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter's term as AMP President through December 31, 2026. Jennifer has served as President of AMP, the pro-Jones Act coalition that includes vessel operators and associations, shipbuilders, shipboard and shoreside workers, national security organizations, and other domestic maritime stakeholders, since January 2024.
AWO, Coalition Oppose Renaming of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. AWO and a coalition of over 30 businesses and organizations sent a letter opposing the Friends of the Chicago River's initiative to rename the CSSC. The letter highlights the shared concern that renaming the CSSC would diminish its legacy and the vital role it continues to play in the safe and efficient movement of waterborne commerce in Illinois and throughout the nation. AWO thanks all member companies and partners who signed the letter.
AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring a deep dive into two of the most important House races in the country. In Arizona's 6th District, Democrats are trying to find the winning formula against Republican Juan Ciscomani. And in Maine's 2nd District, Republicans are hoping former Gov. Paul LePage can finally knock off Democrat Jared Golden. The edition also includes an analysis of the new congressional map in Missouri and brief analysis of races in Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
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.
Michigan Budget Includes $5 million for Maritime Grants. AWO Member Amrize and AWO staff successfully lobbied the Michigan legislature for a line item in the FY 2026 budget for the Michigan Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program. The final budget agreement, expected to be signed by Gov. Whitmer with no changes, includes $5,294,700 in funding for the grant program, created in 2021 and only funded once since its creation. These funds can be used for infrastructure upgrades, sustainability projects, and more. AWO members interested in applying for grant funding can contact Kyle Burleson or visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/mobility/marine.
Check Out the October 2025 Safety Newsletter. In the latest edition of AWO's Navigating to Zero Safety and Sustainability Newsletter, we report on AWO's participation at OCIMF Day; share Fire Safety Month resources from the NTSB and Coast Guard; examine emerging guidance on thermal runaway risks for electric vehicles at sea from NFPA and IUMI; spotlight Marquette Transportation's Brian Khey in our Safety Professional Focus; summarize recent Coast Guard and BSEE Safety Alerts, Reports of Investigation and Findings of Concern; and much more!
Read these stories and other safety news in the October NTZ, and please be sure to send in your Safety Statistics Reporting Program submissions for the third quarter, High Value Near Misses, and HERO Award Nominations. Please contact Liam Morcroft to join our email list and catch up on past editions available exclusively on the AWO app (iPhone | Android).
Fall Convention Recap
On October 15-16, AWO members convened in Houston, TX for the Fall Convention and Board of Directors Meeting. Attendees discussed and voted on association business, heard from industry leaders and experts on issues affecting our industry, and enjoyed a variety of networking and social events. Thank you to all who were able to join us!
Read below for a full recap and visit the AWO Member Resources Library for video footage from the meeting, which will be available in the coming weeks.
In his remarks to the Board, Chairman Patrick Sutton, American Commercial Barge Line, observed that in this time of geopolitical uncertainty we must use our organizational strategy to seize opportunities when they arise. He highlighted recent advocacy accomplishments in defending the Jones Act, securing key priorities in the House-passed Coast Guard authorization bill, and making steady progress in deregulatory actions with the Coast Guard. Chairman Sutton concluded by emphasizing the importance of AWO being focused, organized, strategic in our approach, and committed to speaking in one united voice.
In her President's Report, Jennifer Carpenter noted that in today's geopolitically and economically uncertain times, AWO is focused on the fundamentals of controlling and influencing what we can. To that end, AWO is focusing externally on building and strengthening key relationships, advancing advocacy priorities, and leading the American Maritime Partnership at a high-stakes time for the Jones Act; internally, we are focused on implementing AWO's strategic plan, improving organizational communications, creating resources to help members, and restructuring to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Jennifer also observed that in today's dynamic and unpredictable environment, AWO's organizational agility will be critical as opportunities and threats quickly materialize and member needs evolve.
The educational session kicked off with a keynote presentation by Scott Clemons, Partner and Chief Investment Strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman. Mr. Clemons discussed key economic factors and indicators including tariffs, the labor market, inflation, personal consumption and interest rates and what they tell us about the health of and outlook for the U.S. economy.
Nathan Gonzales, the Editor and Publisher at Inside Elections, LLC, joined AWO members virtually to discuss the evolving political landscape and its implications for the 2026 midterm elections. Mr. Gonzales examined the 2024 Presidential results, analyzed the foundations of the current political climate, including the impact of the government shutdown and mid-census redistricting plans, and highlighted some of the Congressional races that will shape the 2026 elections and the next Congress. The presentation underscored the importance of engagement in political advocacy for AWO and its members as we approach the next Congressional election.
AWO Government & Public Affairs Associate Liam Morcroft provided a comprehensive briefing on AWO's work with members to support compliance with the Coast Guard's cybersecurity regulations. AWO has developed a detailed outline to assist members in implementing the new training requirements, which take effect in January 2026, and is conducting a cybersecurity assessment to inform the development of an annex to the AWO Alternative Security Program to satisfy compliance with the Cybersecurity Plan requirement for AWO ASP users.
Led by Chairman John Roberts of Ingram Barge Company, the Inland Dry Sector Committee meeting featured a presentation by Tracy Zea from Waterways Council, Inc. on challenges and opportunities facing inland waterways infrastructure. With low water currently impacting barge operations, the Committee also discussed the importance of waterways management during Fall harvest season and concerns about the U.S Army Corps of Engineers' dredge funding and availability. Please contact Justin Lampert with any questions about the meeting.
The Harbor Services Sector Committee meeting addressed bridge oversight after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and lock projects such as the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock replacement in New Orleans. Chairman James Fowler of Crowley Corporation and Vice Chairman Matt Powell of The Cooper Group led panel discussions with input from member companies and industry partners on these vital topics. For questions about the meeting, please contact Liam Morcroft.
The Inland Liquid Sector Committee discussed the U.S. Coast Guard's recent change to benzene exposure limits for personnel, benzene emissions from tank barges at marine terminals, and challenges related to SIRE 2.0. Committee Chair Angie Fay, Blessey Marine Services; Matt Woodruff, Kirby Corporation; and Michael Breslin, AWO Senior Director - Safety & Sustainability, AWO, led an in-depth panel discussion on these topics. For questions or additional information about the meeting, please contact Lillie Wightman.
The Coastal Sector Committee, led by Chairman Larry Strohm, Hays Tug & Launch Services, discussed ongoing work to develop safety fairways on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, funding to maintain physical aids to navigation, and opportunities for AWO to support the future development of offshore wind. For questions or additional information about the meeting, please contact Brian Vahey.
AWO members enjoyed days full of networking, learning, and collaboration throughout the Fall Convention. Attendees kicked things off with a morning tour of the Houston Ship Channel aboard the Kirby Observer and closed out a successful Fall Convention with a Texas barbeque social dinner.