AWO Letter - March 5, 2026

CKidd 03/10/26

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 Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

National Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and medical certificates that expire in February and March 2026 remain valid until April 30, 2026.
Mariners with STCW endorsements must follow a separate process detailed in the NMC notice to request dispensations.
Designated Examiner certification letters and course approvals that expire in February and March 2026 are extended until May 31, 2026.
Additional information letters, approval to test letters, course completion certificates, and examinations are also extended for periods outlined in the announcement.

AWO will continue advocating for extensions and mitigation efforts as the shutdown continues. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Parsons.

Admiral Allan Sworn In as Coast Guard Vice Commandant. On February 27, Admiral Tom Allan was sworn in as 35th Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard at an Assumption of Watch ceremony attended by AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter. Adm. Allan, who has served as Acting Vice Commandant since July 2025, previously served as Acting Deputy Commandant for Operations and worked closely with AWO members as Commander of the First Coast Guard District. AWO congratulates Adm. Allan on his swearing-in and looks forward to continued partnership with the Coast Guard in support of our shared goals of a safe, secure, sustainable and efficient marine transportation system.

Corps Unveils New Streamlining Initiative. Last week, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Lee Forsgren briefed AWO and WCI leaders on a new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiative to streamline the design and build process for inland waterway projects. Entitled Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork, the plan is designed to direct funding to priority water resources projects that will provide the greatest benefits to the nation, shorten permitting timelines, and reduce or eliminate extraneous regulations and paperwork that slow the Corps' delivery of civil works projects and programs. The initiative consists of 27 initiatives grouped under five categories:

Maximizing the Ability to Deliver National Infrastructure
Cutting Red Tape
Focus on Efficiency
Transparency & Accountability
Prioritization

AWO looks forward to working with the Corps of Engineers to implement the plan and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of vital Corps missions.

Coast Guard Requests Input on Streamlined Inspection Program. The U.S. Coast Guard recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on potential improvements to its Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP), which is implemented through Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99 Part 1 and Part 2. The Coast Guard is seeking feedback on how to modernize and optimize the SIP by understanding current challenges, existing practices, and opportunities to better integrate technology, third parties, and related safety and quality management programs.

AWO has been in dialogue with the Coast Guard about how updates to the SIP NVIC may enhance fleet management for members using the Heartland District Tank Barge SIP and the Towing Safety Management System option for Subchapter M compliance. Members are encouraged to review the Coast Guard notice and share any feedback for inclusion in AWO's comments with Liam Morcroft.

OSG CEO Joins American Maritime Podcast for In-Depth Jones Act Conversation. AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter recently interviewed Overseas Shipholding Group CEO Sam Norton for an episode of the American Maritime Podcast. Jennifer and Sam discussed the importance of the Jones Act and the domestic tank vessel industry to America's economy, supply chain and national security; why waiving the Jones Act would not alleviate winter heating challenges in the Northeast; emerging markets for Jones Act tanker and ATB operations; and the most effective ways to grow the U.S.-flag international fleet. You can view the full episode here.

AWO Collaborates with WaveWorks Alliance to Promote Maritime Careers. AWO recently added its support as a collaborating organization to the newly formed nonprofit WaveWorks Alliance. WaveWorks is dedicated to expanding access to careers in the maritime economy and aims to connect educators, employers, and workforce leaders in aligning training with industry needs and amplifying existing programs. If you are interested in learning more about how your company can get engaged to support your mariner recruitment and training efforts, please contact Patrick Parsons.

Prioritize Safety, Efficiency During Sail 4th 250 Celebration, AWO Tells Coast Guard. AWO recently submitted comments to the Coast Guard on its proposal to establish various regulated navigation areas and suspend certain anchorages to support the Sail 4th 250 events, the U.S. Navy's International Naval Review 250 and International Aerial Review. AWO's comments addressed local industry concerns regarding the need for clearer command structure during the event, including a request for documentation outlining the hierarchy and providing contact information for local operators. AWO also emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement of anchorage speed restrictions throughout the event, recommended that existing mooring buoys and associated barges be permitted to remain in place, and sought clarification on the Coast Guard's strategy for ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential cargo.

AWO Submits Comments on California Oil and Gas Leases. AWO has responded to two notices from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on plans to develop oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf of Central and Southern California. AWO's comments reminded BOEM of the importance of maintaining navigation safety when determining where to place oil and gas leases. The comments also drew attention to the pending shipping safety fairways along the West Coast, urging BOEM to avoid establishing leases that would overlap with the fairways or any other areas that would restrict safe navigation.

AWO Recommends Improvements to Carl Moyer Program. AWO recently submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on its proposed revisions to the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. This program provides incentive funding to help vessel operators voluntarily replace or upgrade engines and equipment with cleaner-than-required alternatives.

AWO encouraged CARB to consider additional improvements for commercial harbor craft, including revising the program's compliance deadline, increasing minimum funding levels, and better aligning project life requirements with vessel lifecycles. AWO also emphasized the importance of recognizing current market constraints, including the lack of available diesel particulate filters, when finalizing program revisions.

For additional information, please contact Lillie Wightman.

AWO Comments on Proposed Coronado Bridge Fendering Modification. AWO recently submitted comments to the Coast Guard's Southwest District in response to proposed modifications to the fendering of the Coronado Bridge. These changes, initiated by the California Department of Transportation, are intended to ensure compliance with the standards set forth by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials following a comprehensive vulnerability assessment.

AWO's comments reflect local members' preference for Alternative 2 - Cofferdam Dolphins and reaffirm AWO's ongoing coordination with bridge owners and the Coast Guard as agencies consider potential updates to bridge safety programs consistent with National Transportation Safety Board recommendations.

AWO Supports Longview Anchorage Modifications. AWO submitted comments to the Coast Guard's Northwest District regarding proposed modifications to the Longview Anchorage on the Columbia River, which are intended to support the Longview Channel Realignment Project and increase available vertical clearance for the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

Reflecting feedback from local members, AWO's comments support the proposed modifications to the anchorage. They also emphasize that AWO remains committed to monitoring and collaborating with bridge owners and the Coast Guard on potential updates to bridge safety programs, based on recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board. By maintaining open communication and a cooperative approach, AWO aims to ensure that bridge safety standards continue to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Peace of Mind: Insuring Your Crew & Captain's Well-Being. On March 17, WorkBoat will host a free webinar focused on protecting licensed mariners and crew following incidents that may trigger fines, legal costs, or suspension and revocation proceedings. Led by AWO members 360 Pros and Berkley Offshore, the session will examine investigation trends, available coverage options, how marine license insurance complements company policies, and what mariners can expect at the outset of an incident, supported by real-world case studies.

MITAGS to Host Workforce Conference March 30-April 1. Later this month, AWO affiliate member MITAGS will host a Mariners for America Conference in Linthicum Heights, MD. The event will bring vessel operators, unions, maritime academies, training institutions, and regulators together to explore ideas and strategies to build and sustain the American mariner workforce. For more information, click here.

AWO Atlantic Region Holds Annual Meeting in Baltimore. Last month, AWO Atlantic Region members kicked off 2026 with their annual meeting in Baltimore, MD. Members and staff discussed AWO's advocacy priorities for the year, previewed the Trump Administration's recently announced Maritime Action Plan, and welcomed guests from Boat US, the National Safe Boating Council, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and Sail 250.

While the U.S. Coast Guard was unable to participate given the ongoing DHS shutdown, members discussed topics including Atlantic Coast Fairway development, stowaways offshore Hispaniola, and cybersecurity, giving AWO staff multiple items for follow-up. Atlantic Region members also approved the new slate of Atlantic Region nominees to the Board of Directors. If you missed the chance to attend, please reach out to AWO's Brian Vahey for information on the next regional event in your area.

AWO Hosts Annual Combined Regions Meeting in New Orleans. Last week AWO brought together almost 300 members from the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Southern regions for our annual combined regions meeting. The 2-day event included in-depth discussions on issues impacting members, Board of Directors elections, member review and endorsement of AWO's 2026 advocacy priorities, and many networking opportunities. If you missed the chance to attend, please reach out to AWO's Justin Lampert or Jill Bessetti for information on the next regional event in your area.

AWO Winter Safety Meeting Held in New Orleans. The AWO Coastal and Interregion Safety Committees hosted the Winter Safety Meeting in New Orleans last week, welcoming a packed room of AWO members, partners, and guests. The program focused on the human element of safety, with presentations exploring wellness and leadership, the value of stakeholder communication and alignment to strengthen safe vessel access guidelines, and practical ways AI can support crew understanding and use of safety management systems. The meeting also recognized nine recent HERO Award-winning events, celebrating the courage and professionalism of AWO member mariners.

In addition to the education sessions, AWO Safety Committees and Subcommittees met to advance strategic plans and set priorities for the year ahead. Key initiatives included expanding member participation in AWO's Recreational Boater Safety work group, engaging with OCIMF's Falls to Water and Human Performance working groups, convening the first in-person workshop of the AWO-led Safe Vessel Access Coalition, and launching the Navigation Safety Rate pilot program within the Safety Statistics Reporting Program.

Save the date for the Summer Safety Meeting on July 21 - 22. For questions or to participate in AWO's safety working groups, please visit AWO's member portal or contact Michael Breslin.

AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition , featuring an on-the-ground look at a key House race in Michigan, a preview of more than a dozen primaries in Texas, and more.

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.

Pacific Region to Hold Annual Meeting in Vancouver, WA March 10. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Atlantic Region Annual Meeting, Combined Regions Annual Meeting and Winter Safety Meeting in February! Your participation and unique insights helped create a memorable experience as we came together to collaborate and strengthen our industry.

As we wrap up this year's Winter Meeting Series, we look forward to seeing many of you at the Pacific Region Annual Meeting in Vancouver, WA on March 10.