AWO Letter - October 1, 2026
AWO, AMP Push Back on Jones Act Waiver Gamesmanship. Following the August extension of the politically motivated Jones Act waiver under a case-by-case process, the Maritime Administration has issued more than 125 Vessel Availability Requests (VARs) in response to requested waivers. Increasingly, these requests demonstrate an intent to replace routine domestic transportation with foreign carriers, not the statutorily required emergency need to support military operations. Recent after-voyage reporting demonstrates this, documenting waivers requested and secured to move fuel oil from Texas to Louisiana and jet fuel from Louisiana to Florida. AWO and the American Maritime Partnership are working to educate the Trump Administration and Congress on how such gamesmanship harms the domestic maritime industry and undermines the Administration’s maritime dominance agenda, while producing no measurable benefit for American consumers and or reducing the price of key commodities like gasoline and diesel.
ICYMI: if you missed AWO’s September 24 member meeting on how tank barge operators can best engage in the VAR process to directly combat unnecessary waivers, contact Patrick Parsons.
House Passes TWICE ACT; Bill Introduced in Senate. Endorsed by AWO, the bipartisan TWIC Efficiency (TWICE) Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives as one of the last measures before the House adjourned for recess ahead of the November elections. Introduced by Reps. Troy Carter (D-LA) and Clay Higgins (R-LA), the legislation aims to improve access to the TWIC program by assisting currently incarcerated individuals through the TWIC card application process prior to release. The TWICE Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to:
- Develop guidelines to improve returning citizens' access to the TWIC program.
- Develop guidelines to assist individuals in custody to pre-apply for TWIC cards and to assist those requesting an appeal or waiver after issuance of a “Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility.”
- Provide a briefing to Congress within a year on improvements to access to the TWIC program.
The legislation does not change TWIC eligibility standards and does not remove existing disqualifying offenses. It is intended to reduce administrative barriers and streamline access for people who are already eligible. Companion legislation was introduced this week in the Senate by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for consideration.
Reminder: Report Vessel Inspection Issues to AWO. AWO's Vessel Inspection Feedback Tracker allows members to report both positive experiences with Coast Guard services and problems resulting in operational or commercial impacts. AWO is using the information submitted through the Tracker to raise broader service-delivery concerns with senior Coast Guard leadership and, where appropriate, following up on individual reports with the relevant Coast Guard units.
In response to member feedback about the Tracker, AWO is working to make the form accessible on AWO’s public website without requiring a member portal login, as well as through the AWO App. In the meantime, AWO can arrange direct access for members who need it. We are also exploring whether the form can be integrated into fleet management software commonly used aboard member vessels to streamline reporting. Please contact Liam Morcroft with any questions or for assistance accessing the Tracker.
Coast Guard Reopens SIP NVIC Comment Period. As previously reported, at AWO’s request, the Coast Guard has reopened the docket for comments on draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-99, Change 1, Guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP). Comments are now due on October 29.
The proposed revisions to NVIC 02-99 are framed by the Coast Guard as an update to longstanding SIP guidance, providing additional flexibility for SIP enrollees and replacing the Joint District 8 and District 9 Tank Barge Streamlined Inspection Program.
AWO is working through feedback received from members and welcomes further input on how the proposed changes could affect vessel operations and existing inspection programs. Members are encouraged to share any questions, concerns, operational impacts, or suggested revisions with Liam Morcroft or Caitlyn Stewart.
NTSB Safer Seas Digest Offers Lessons for Tug and Barge Operators. The National Transportation Safety Board’s latest Safer Seas Digest draws lessons from 49 marine investigations. In addition to a review of the Dali and Titan submersible investigations, the report includes 21 incidents that led to towing vessel and barge casualties. Many of these incidents involved experienced mariners navigating familiar waterways and performing routine operations. Conditions and currents, fatigue and distraction, bridges, locks, and terminals amplified hazards, leaving seasoned crews with little room to recover from small mistakes. Mariners should use voyage planning to assess conditions and safeguards that prevent or mitigate incidents.
The Safer Seas Digest shows how damaged ducting admitted fresh air to an engine room after its fire-extinguishing system was activated. Elsewhere, flooding spread through unsealed bulkhead openings before the only bilge alarm warned the crew. At Algiers Lock, passing ships’ wakes surged through the chamber, pushing a tow into a lock gate. Near New Orleans, distraction and fatigue contributed to a fleet collision that set 16 barges adrift. Each case asks crews and shore leadership: where could similar conditions challenge our operations?
Jennifer Carpenter to Receive Marine Log Lifetime Achievement Award. Marine Log has named AWO President & CEO and AMP President Jennifer Carpenter its 2026 Top Women in Maritime Lifetime Achievement honoree. The award recognizes Jennifer’s 36 years of leadership and advocacy on behalf of the maritime industry and the tugboat, towboat and barge sector.
Since joining AWO in 1990, Jennifer has served in regulatory, government affairs, policy, and leadership roles, becoming President & CEO in January 2020. Throughout her career, she has been an outspoken advocate for AWO members and the domestic maritime industry, advancing policies and partnerships that strengthen the safety, security, sustainability, and efficiency of the tugboat, towboat, and barge sector. Most recently, she has led AWO’s and AMP’s efforts to end the Trump Administration’s Jones Act waiver.
Jennifer will be honored at the 2026 Top Women in Maritime celebration on December 1 in New Orleans. Please join AWO in congratulating Jennifer on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for her extraordinary leadership and service.
Read Marine Log’s Full Announcement.
AWO Hosts Second Southern Region Roundtable. AWO recently hosted a second Southern Region roundtable discussion at the Florida Marine Training Facility in Mandeville, Louisiana. More than 60 members gathered to discuss key issues and priorities, including Jones Act advocacy, cybersecurity, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s recent draft guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program. Command staff from USCG Sector New Orleans also joined the discussion to address inspection timeliness, flexibility and consistency, and recent staffing updates.
Jill Bessetti Speaks at New Orleans Mariners Club Luncheon. The Port of New Orleans Mariners Club connects companies with a shared interest in the maritime community. The luncheon offered an opportunity to highlight AWO’s mission and priorities, introduce new and prospective members, and exchange perspectives on the Jones Act and maritime advocacy.
AWO Holds Roundtable and Sector Luncheon in St. Louis. On September 16, over 30 AWO members met in St. Louis for a member roundtable discussion hosted by American River Transportation Company. Participants discussed Jones Act waivers, bridge reliability, Coast Guard documentation and credentialing delays, and Illinois Waterway infrastructure challenges, among other issues. The conversation also highlighted the importance of timely member input in strengthening AWO’s advocacy with regulators, policymakers, and waterway partners. The roundtable was followed by a luncheon with leaders from Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River. AWO thanks ARTCO for hosting the roundtable and Sector luncheon!
Sen. Budd Attends Tug Tour in Wilmington. McAllister Towing’s Wilmington port hosted a tugboat tour for Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and staff on September 9. Port Captain Glenn Turbeville, AWO Vice President-Legislative Affairs Craig Montesano, and AWO Vice President-Atlantic Region Brian Vahey spoke with Sen. Budd aboard the Erin McAllister about the company’s operations on the Cape Fear River and towing industry policy priorities currently before Congress, including a Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval resolution for California’s commercial harbor craft regulation. Sen. Budd is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, one of the two committees with jurisdiction over the Jones Act. Please contact Craig Montesano for more details.
Supply Chain Federation Hosts First DC Fly-In. The Supply Chain Federation, the nationwide advocacy voice for supply chain industries, hosted its first Fly-In in Washington, DC on September 22-23. AWO participated in the day’s events to promote the important role that the maritime industry plays in supporting the nation’s supply chain. The Fly-In included 18 individual events across Congress, the Administration, and coalition partners, and touched on issues ranging from port funding, protecting industrial land, federal relief from unachievable state-based emissions requirements, and the importance of rejuvenating the supply chain caucus on Capitol Hill.
Bannon Crowley Elected as Harbor Services Sector Vice Chair. Congratulations to Bannon Crowley of Crowley Corporation, who has been elected by members of AWO’s Harbor Services Sector as Sector Vice Chair. Bannon will serve alongside Chairman Matt Powell, The Cooper Group, to advance the sector’s priorities and strengthen AWO’s advocacy on behalf of members in the inland and coastal harbor services sector.
AWO Advocates for Movable and Remote Bridge Safety. Through the Bridge Event Reporting Program (BERP), AWO and the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association collect member reports on near misses, delays, and other issues at movable bridges, using that data to highlight and track safety concerns, understand the changes needed, and press the Coast Guard for stronger oversight. This work is especially critical as remote and automated bridge operations expand, and AWO continues to advocate for safer operations and thorough investigations of historical incidents before additional remote systems are authorized.
Please report any movable bridge–related issues to the Bridge Event Reporting Program and reach out to Liam Morcroft with any questions or concerns.
Craig Montesano Discusses California Emissions Rules on Podcast. AWO Vice President-Legislative Affairs Craig Montesano was featured on the latest episode of the “Labor & Energy Show with J-Doc and Krausey” podcast to discuss the Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval resolutions of California’s commercial harbor craft and at-berth regulations. The episode was fourth in a series on California regulatory mandates and the need for CRA resolutions to mitigate their impact. The episode aired on September 26 and is available at the WWDBAM Website, or in their app available for iPhone and Android.
Last Chance to Register for the AWO Fall Convention, October 13-14 in West Palm Beach! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry colleagues, hear timely updates, and take part in important conversations centered on the theme Navigating Disruption: Strength. Strategy. Resilience. Register now, and remember that all event details are available anytime in the AWO mobile app. Download for iOS/iPhone or for Android.
In Case You Missed It: 2027 Sponsorship Opportunities Are Now Available. New options include exclusive Diamond sponsorships for an affiliate and a carrier member, more mid-range choices, and lower-cost opportunities for organizations of all sizes. Contact ckidd@americanwaterways.com to secure a sponsorship and support our industry today.
AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring the latest in the midterm fight for Congress, rating changes in 12 races, and fresh updates and polling in dozens of House, Senate, and gubernatorial contests around the country.
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.