AWO Letter - September 17th, 2025
As anticipated, on September 12 Koloa filed its opposition to the motions to dismiss, asserting that the court should only consider the arguments made in its complaint, not filings from the government and intervenors refuting those claims, in determining whether there is a valid legal claim to proceed. AMP's reply brief is due October 3, after which the court will have all filings necessary for its review of the motion to dismiss.
AWO Welcomes New Members. AWO is delighted to welcome three new members:
- Host Towing, LLC. Host operates in the lower Mississippi River. They are ship agents and marine terminal owners and operators.
- Howden US Specialty, LLC. Howden US Specialty was started in August 2025 to further the building of Howden Group, the world's 10th largest insurance brokerage firm. With over 20 US-based marine insurance professionals, Howden US works with clients across the full spectrum of the marine industry, including vessel operators, terminals, shipyards, fleeters, ship assist and more.
- No More Carbon USA. No More Carbon USA's EPA Tier 1 fuel additive/catalyst immediately optimizes fuel efficiency and minimizes emissions upon application. The fuel catalyst, originally developed by NASA, is utilized globally, including by entire countries, with headquarters based in the USA.
Please reach out to Caitlin Kidd with any questions.
Medical Certificate Errors Identified. The Coast Guard's National Maritime Center reportsthat some medical certificates issued between July 25 and September 3 may have errors in the limitations and restrictions section. Medical certificates issued with errors remain valid and the NMC is working to re-issue corrected medical certificates. If your mariners experience challenges obtaining corrected certificates in a timely manner, and you would like assistance from AWO, please contact Patrick Parsons.
RCP Standards Board Issues Training Requirements Clarification. The Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) Standards Board has issued guidance clarifying the RCP training requirements for vessel engineers. The clarification states that the training requirements listed under the job title Engineer, in RCP II.K.3, apply only to crew whose primary duties involve diagnosing and repairing engine deficiencies requiring advanced knowledge or specialized tools. The memo further clarifies that "Crew who perform only basic engine room maintenance," such as changing filters or fluids, starting engines, or recording operating hours, "should not be considered 'Engineers' according to RCP.II.K.3."
Please contact Michael Breslin with any questions.
AWO Holds Industry Training with USCG Sector New Orleans. AWO Southern Region members recently visited Coast Guard Sector New Orleans to meet with marine inspectors. Industry representatives from Blessey Marine Services, Canal Barge Company, Golding Barge Line, Marquette Transportation Company, Ingram Barge Company, Kirby Corporation, Maritime Partners and Harbor Towing and Fleeting shared company backgrounds, safety compliance strategies, and perspectives on how AWO membership aligns with their company's safety goals. Jill Bessetti, AWO's Vice President - Southern Region, provided an overview of AWO and our Quality Partnership with the Coast Guard. If you are interested in participating in future training events with the Coast Guard, please reach out to Jill at jbessetti@americanwaterways.com.
Beginning January 1, 2026, companies with more than $500 million in annual revenue and doing business in California must report on climate-related financial risks and mitigation strategies every two years. For companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue and doing business in California, there are separate requirements. Entities that meet these thresholds must publicly disclose their Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, with the first report due in 2026 for 2025 emissions and the second in 2027 for 2026 emissions.
CARB discussed both programs during an August 21 workshop and is currently seeking public input. AWO submitted comments urging CARB to finalize the proposed regulations to provide clarity as soon as possible and ensure compliance requirements are not burdensome for regulated entities. For further information, please contact Lillie Wightman.
Coast Guard Awards Contract to Modernize Base Seattle. The U.S. Coast Guard awarded the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company a contract worth up to $137 million to modernize Base Seattle. This upgrade will support the future homeporting of Polar Security Cutters (PSCs), enhancing U.S. capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic operations. Phase 1A includes widening and modernizing berths to host new PSCs and revitalizing Station Seattle's small boat docks. This effort also marks the largest hazardous substance removal in Coast Guard history. These improvements are part of the agency's broader Force Design 2028 initiative.
This investment builds on the $4.3 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to expand the PSC fleet and supports national security, maritime dominance, and readiness in high-latitude areas. AWO members should note upcoming infrastructure changes that could affect operations and partnerships, and contact AWO with any concerns. The Coast Guard's full press release can be found here.
McAllister Hosts North Carolina Tug Tour. Many thanks to Glenn Turbeville of McAllister Towing and Transportation for hosting North Carolina congressional staffers on a tour of the Port of Wilmington. Staffers from the offices of Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined Captain Chris Johnson and the crew onboard the Eric McAllister to discuss issues ranging from dredging to the Jones Act. AWO greatly appreciates the North Carolina delegation's support for the domestic maritime industry.
Shape AWO's Advocacy and Safety Work: Join a Member Working Group or Committee! AWO's array of member working groups and committees provide important and easily accessible opportunities for members to shape AWO's positions on advocacy and safety issues. To learn more about active groups and committees and how your employees can engage in them, visit the newly revamped "Join Member Working Groups & Committees" page on the AWO website.
Equipment Reporting Due. Thank you to all carrier members who have submitted their annual equipment reports. If you haven't yet submitted your report for 2026, please do so as soon as possible through the Member Dashboard or the AWO App. If you have questions about the process or need help completing your report, please email Violet Daniels.
Counting Down to Fall Convention! What are you most excited about for Fall Convention 2025? Answer the poll on the AWO mobile app. Don't forget to check the app for the latest event information, including attendees, schedules, and session details. Download and log in with your member dashboard credentials.