Navigating to Zero - March 2026
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AWO Winter Safety Meeting Success in New Orleans |
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The AWO Coastal and Interregion Safety Committees recently hosted the Winter Safety Meeting in New Orleans, with a program focused on the human element of safety. The meeting opened with a keynote by Dr. Theresa Larson of Movement Rx, who spoke about the importance of physical wellness and movement health for mariners and safety leaders. Carly Dalton of Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. complemented that message with practical insight on the role wellness plays in effective leadership.
The program continued with presentations on human performance and organizational learning. Chris Fredric and Chester Urban of Shell Trading & Supply discussed learning organization principles and the human behavior model, highlighting how organizations can better understand the conditions that influence decisions in real-world operations. They later joined the Vice Chair of AWO's Tankering and Barge Operations Subcommittee and representatives from the International Liquid Terminals Association and the TIC Council for a panel discussion on the Safe Vessel Access Coalition, AWO's new partnership aimed at improving safe access between vessels and liquid bulk terminals. JVAT rounded out the education session with a demonstration of emerging artificial intelligence tools and how they may be applied within Safety Management Systems to identify efficiencies and support continuous improvement.
The afternoon concluded with the American Waterways HERO Award Ceremony, where AWO was proud to recognize mariners whose actions demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and commitment to safety during emergencies on the waterways:
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The AWO Safety Committees and Subcommittees also met to advance strategic plans and set priorities for the year ahead. Key initiatives include expanding member participation in AWO's Recreational Boater Safety Working 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 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.
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National Transportation Safety Board Marine Casualty Investigation Reports |
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) publishes investigation reports for marine, aviation, highway, railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials incidents. Vessel incident reports released since the last edition of Navigating to Zero are summarized below.
On December 30, 2024, at about 1609 local time, the ATB Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder was anchored in Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio, when a fire broke out in the generator space of the barge Pathfinder. The 16-person crew sealed the space and released the vessel's fixed gas fire extinguishing system, putting out the fire. There were no injuries or pollution, and damages were estimated at $2.6 million. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the fire was a loss of lube oil to one of the generator engine's connecting rods, possibly due to an electrical short in the generator.
On March 18, 2025, at approximately 1600 local time, the bulk carrier Cuyahoga was discovered partially flooded while docked in Ashtabula, Ohio. No injuries or pollution were reported on the vessel, which had previously been declared a constructive total loss as a result of a fire in March 2024. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the flooding was water ingress in the engine room from the main engine and generator water cooling systems' duplex strainers, which were uncovered while the vessel was in layup status, possibly due to the failure of the systems' closed sea chest valve.
On March 6, 2025, at about 1320 local time, the commercial fishing vessel Spicy Lady was fishing in Chatham Strait, Alaska, when an interior crew space on the vessel caught fire. When the crew entered the cabin to investigate the smoke, they discovered a fire near the portside middle bunk in the forward crew berthing area burning the mattress and a plastic tote containing lithium-ion batteries for personal items, which may have been charging at the time. The five crewmembers on board were unable to extinguish the fire and abandoned the vessel onto a nearby Good Samaritan vessel. The fire was later extinguished by responding firefighters. One crewmember suffered minor injuries. No pollution was reported. The vessel was declared a total constructive loss, valued at $1.6 million. Members are urged to review these alerts to enhance safety measures and prevent incidents. Please contact Michael Breslin for more information. |
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American Waterways HERO Award -- Nominate your Crew for Heroic Acts |
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The American Waterways Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Award honors member company employees for their bravery, skill, and selflessness during emergencies on our waterways. Qualifying acts include rescuing mariners, responding to medical emergencies, recovering overboard individuals, and other heroic actions. AWO will hold its next HERO Award ceremony on July 22 during the AWO Summer Safety Meeting in Chicago. To nominate your crew's efforts, fill out this simple form on the AWO website. Each event is recognized with a certificate of recognition for the vessel, a HERO Award Coin for each mariner, and a complimentary one-year marine license and liability insurance policy for each mariner offered by 360 Coverage Pros & Berkley Offshore. |
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USCG Reports of Investigation and Findings of Concern |
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The U.S. Coast Guard offers a monthly email to alert stakeholders about new Reports of Investigation and Findings of Concern, published on its Office of Investigations & Casualty Analysis website. To request alerts, email HQS-SMB-CG-INV@uscg.mil.
No new Findings of Concern (FoC) Stakeholders are urged to review these alerts in detail to enhance safety measures and prevent incidents. Please contact Michael Breslin for more information. |
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Coast Guard and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Safety Alerts |
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The U.S. Coast Guard and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement publish Safety Alerts on their websites on a regular basis. Alerts issued since last publication of the NTZ are listed below:
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Stakeholders are urged to review these alerts in detail to enhance safety measures and prevent incidents. Please contact Michael Breslin for more information. |
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Safety Leadership in Practice: Ronald Corigliano and the Shift to Safety Management Systems |
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Ronald Corigliano's career mirrors the evolution of safety management in the towing industry. He entered the maritime workforce in 1986 with Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. (Campbell), starting in the maintenance department with diesel experience and a willingness to learn. Over the next several decades, he progressed through engineering, safety, environmental compliance, and senior shoreside leadership roles, building a career grounded in operational reality. In December 2025, after 11 years of service, Corigliano stepped down from the AWO Responsible Carrier Standards Board. His work on the RCP Standards Board and other AWO working groups contributed greatly to safety improvements for AWO members and the industry at large.
AWO members developed the Responsible Carrier Program in 1994, creating an industry-specific safety program for the tug and barge industry. Corigliano was involved with the RCP from its inception, helping translate the Program's lofty expectations into daily operational practice at Campbell. "The RCP wasn't about checking boxes," he said. "From the start, it was about taking ownership of safety as an industry and holding ourselves to a higher standard." This matched the core principle of the RCP -- the simple idea that safety is not a destination, but rather a continuous process of evaluation and improvement.
Corigliano continued to help advance industry safety and environmental stewardship through AWO working groups and the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), which became especially active in the years following September 11. Corigliano and other industry experts used CTAC to help inform Coast Guard policy on vessel and facility security, emergency preparedness, and the transportation of high-consequence cargoes such as ammonium nitrate and chlorine. For Corigliano, the work reflected the same principle that guided the Responsible Carrier Program: effective safety policy is strongest when shaped by operational experience.
Corigliano joined the RCP Standards Board in 2016, helping to guide AWO through the process of maturing the Program and securing its acceptance by the Coast Guard as an existing Safety Management System under Subchapter M. Although he has stepped down from the Standards Board and announced his retirement from Campbell as Director of Commercial Property Management after a 37-year career, his influence will continue to be felt in the systems and processes he helped create and in the contributions he made to improvements in industry safety and security.
Looking back, Corigliano sees measurable progress as safety, environmental, and property incidents have declined as training, maintenance, and oversight have become more structured. At the same time, he recognizes that safety systems must continue to evolve, whether through Subchapter M refinement or emerging challenges such as regulations under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA).
His advice to those entering the industry reflects his commendable career. "This industry offers a great opportunity for anyone willing to put in the work. You can come in with no experience and, through on-the-job training and commitment, grow from entry-level to leadership in just a few years. But long-term success depends on safety and a commitment to constant improvement. Pay attention, slow down, and take ownership of the systems designed to protect people, the environment, and the industry itself."
Biography
Ronald K. Corigliano joined Campbell in June 1986. He spent 11 years in the maintenance department for Campbell and Campbell's Subsidiary, Kanawha River Towing, Inc. as an Assistant Port Engineer. In this role, he managed preventative maintenance programs for 22 vessels, implemented and maintained the USCG Cooperative Uninspected Towing Vessel Inspection Program, performed regular compliance inspections, and supported operations and logistics as needed. In January of 1998, Corigliano was promoted to Environmental Compliance Manager for vessel and shore side operations in the Marine Division of Blue Danube Incorporated, the holding company for Campbell and C&C Marine Maintenance Company. In July 2009, he began managing the Company's land-based properties, becoming the Director of Governmental Affairs and Property Management. In January 2018, Corigliano became the Director of Commercial Property Management for the Company until his recent retirement in February 2026.
Over the course of his nearly forty-year career, Corigliano served in numerous roles and held responsibility for a broad range of systems and processes, including an early leadership role as the Company's Responsible Carrier Program Manager. This position, established in December 1993, was created to advance development and implementation of the nascent safety system within the Company and in coordination with AWO's emerging RCP working group. In this capacity, Corigliano led the development, implementation, and maintenance of the corporation's safety management and document control systems.
Corigliano earned professional certifications through numerous Coast Guard-approved environmental, safety, health, and security courses, and he served on a broad range of industry and government committees. His service included the U.S. Coast Guard's Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), the CTAC Hazardous Cargoes Security Subcommittee, the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC), and the TSAC Towing Vessel Inspection Working Group. He also served on the Shipbuilders Council of America Compliance Committee, the Board of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau, and in leadership roles across numerous American Waterways Operators working groups and committees, including the Responsible Carrier Program Standards Board. At the time of his retirement announcement in February 2026, Corigliano held the title of Director of Commercial Property Management at Campbell.
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Navigation Safety Rate Pilot Program Launching in April for SSRP |
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AWO is initiating a voluntary pilot program that will allow members to calculate a Navigation Safety Rate (NSR) through the Safety Statistics Reporting Program. The program will launch April 1, aligning with the opening of 2026's first quarter reporting period for all SSRP data. The NSR uses operating hours to normalize counts of allisions, collisions, and groundings, creating a rate that can be used to compare companies of varying sizes. Using the SSRP's sector choices allows members to compare performance between similar operators, further increasing the value of the rate for AWO members. The goal of introducing the SSRP Navigation Safety Rate on a voluntary basis is to develop an accurate, consistent, and transparent way for AWO members to measure navigation safety performance across the industry. To learn more or to enter your data, visit the AWO SSRP Website on or after April 1. |
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Looking at the Risk of Smart Glasses |
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Smart glasses, made by companies including Meta and Oakley, are a relatively new product that offers AI-enabled technology that is integrated into prescription and non-prescription glasses. The technology offers augmented reality through an integrated display that is projected onto the lens of the glasses and Bluetooth functions that allow phone calls, music, and other audio. As operators consider this new technology, there are clear risks that accompany its use, including distraction, lack of situational awareness, questions about the intrinsic safety of these devices, and the potential of camera or video use in secure facilities or on the tow. To address this emerging risk, operators may consider expanding their existing policies on personal electronic device use. For example, a company's cell phone policy may be updated to cover use of smart glasses on deck and in areas that cell phone use has already been prohibited. This is exactly what Dann Marine has done with their new policy that bans the use of AI-enabled smart glasses on watch. To learn more about this issue or to submit safety concerns that your company would like to highlight for AWO members, please contact Michael Breslin. |
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Call Before You Dredge! |
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The MarineSafe811 program is designed to help marine excavation stakeholders reduce damage to the environment and underground structures, such as pipes and cables. The organization offers free resources and training, 811 notification guidelines, best practices, awareness materials, and support for marine-related activities. The program is managed by the Damage Prevention Council of Texas (DPC of Texas), Texas811, and Coastal And Marine Operators (CAMO). While based in Texas, resources for every state are listed on the MarineSafe811 home page. To learn more, visit their website at MarineSafe811.org. |
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RAINN Introduces Mairtime-Specific SASH Support Hotline |
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Preventing harm and ensuring mariners have access to support when it is needed are essential parts of a strong safety culture. RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, now offers a maritime industry-specific hotline subscription that provides 24/7 anonymous, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as those assisting them. Available by phone, online chat, and WhatsApp, the service connects users with trained, trauma-informed specialists and may be a valuable resource for organizations seeking to strengthen prevention, reporting, and response efforts in the maritime environment. For subscription information, contact JessicaS@RAINN.org or call 301-818-2652. Additional information is available through RAINN Consulting Group at rainn.org/consulting. |
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SafeMTS Report Offers New Opportunity for Tugboat, Towboat, and Barge Industry Participation |
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A new SafeMTS report from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics highlights how large language models may help the maritime industry turn near-miss reports into faster, more useful safety insights. Sponsored by the Maritime Administration and developed with industry participation, the SafeMTS program is designed to help companies voluntarily and confidentially share near misses so risks can be identified earlier and incidents may be prevented. All data shared with SafeMTS is protected by CIPSEA laws, preventing any and all disclosures of participants' identifying information. The report found that applying AI tools to more than 19,000 near-miss events improved the completeness of key safety data and significantly increased the ability to identify trends such as causal factors and high-potential consequence events. Importantly, the report also highlights the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration as a next step to add value to the SafeMTS program. For AWO members, this creates a meaningful opportunity. MARAD is looking for additional industry partners to help shape the future of SafeMTS, including participation from the tugboat, towboat and barge industry. As the program grows, broader involvement from AWO members could help ensure the resulting tools, data standards, and safety learnings reflect the realities of marine towing operations. To learn more, reach out to Todd Ripley or the SafeMTS team. |
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Seamen's Church Institute Report Highlights Need to Strengthen Inland Mainer Well-Being |
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A new report from the Seamen's Church Institute highlights an important challenge for the inland maritime industry: mariner well-being. SCI reported that more than 75 percent of crisis responses by its Ministry on the River chaplains in 2025 were tied to physical or mental health concerns rather than accidents, underscoring the connection between workforce wellness and safe operations. To help address those challenges, SCI commissioned the U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment, which outlines practical opportunities to improve nutrition, fatigue management, mental health support, leadership, healthcare access, and organizational culture. Throughout 2026, SCI is engaging the inland industry to discuss the report's findings and next steps. To learn more about SCI's mission, outreach, or the report, contact Captain Phil Schifflin, Esq., Director of SCI's Center for Mariner Advocacy. |
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Chevron has shared three recently developed safety resources to reinforce a simple point: serious events often happen when basic controls are not fully carried out. In case studies that examine a recent spill and a recent fall to water, Chevron highlights the need for direct communication, availability of proper tools and equipment, verification of safeguards and contingency plans, and a clear emergency response plan before work begins. To aid workers in their pre-work inspections, Chevron has included International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) Work Near Water Start-Work Check, which emphasizes hazard review, personal flotation devices, secure footing, reliable communications, and rescue readiness. Together with the case studies, these resources are a useful reminder that safe work on the water depends on disciplined preparation, clear accountability, and attention to the fundamentals every time. To learn more about these resources or to join AWO's safety working groups addressing falls to water and safe access, please contact Michael Breslin. |
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Coming Soon to a Venue Near You: AWO and Partner Safety Events |
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AWO and our partners are proud to host or partner with industry-leading organizations to provide forums for our members to discuss important topics year-round. We hope to see you at an event near you soon! Upcoming AWO EventsMarch 24-25 - National Harbor Safety Committee Conference (Seattle, WA) April 16 - Safe Vessel Access Coalition (SVAC) Workshop #1 (Houston, TX) The SVAC Workshop will bring together terminal operators from ILTA, barge operators from AWO, inspectors from TIC Council, petroleum cargo owners (including energy majors), and shore-based tankering service providers to identify vessel access hazards, compare stakeholder perspectives, and develop practical, consensus-based guidance. The goal is to improve communication, strengthen hazard controls, and support safer, more consistent access to barge docks. May 6-8 - National Safety Council Safety Summit (Baltimore, MD) The 2026 NSC Safety Summit will bring together safety professionals, leaders, and innovators to examine how technology, human-centered strategies, and practical safety management tools are shaping the future of workplace safety. Through educational sessions, focused discussions, and a large expo, the event will offer ideas and resources to strengthen safety performance. May 11-13 - AWO Spring Convention and Barge-In (Washington, DC) Join your fellow AWO members for our annual Spring Convention and Barge-In in Washington, D.C. May 11-13. The Board of Directors Meeting and Education Sessions will take place on May 12. On May 13, AWO's signature Barge-In will offer members the opportunity to discuss advocacy priorities with legislators on Capitol Hill. May 27-29 - Inland Marine Expo (Nashville, TN) IMX, the Inland Marine Expo, brings together leaders from the inland and intracoastal marine industry for education, networking, and hands-on engagement with new products and services. Organized by The Waterways Journal with AWO as a 2026 partner, the annual event is designed to strengthen commerce, build relationships, and fuel innovation across America's waterways. June 9-11 - GreenTech Conference (Quebec City, Canada) GreenTech brings together maritime leaders, innovators, and environmental professionals to share ideas and advance sustainable marine transportation. Hosted by Green Marine, the annual conference features three days of education, exhibitions, and networking focused on emerging issues, green technologies, and practical solutions that support environmental performance across the industry. Check out the AWO Events webpage to stay apprised of all upcoming AWO meetings and events |