The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association representing the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, has entered into an agreement with the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau under which the TVIB will take over the responsibility for training and certifying AWO Responsible Carrier Program auditors later this year. The first TVIB-led auditor classes will be held this summer. AWO’s Responsible Carrier program is an industry initiated, third-party audited safety management system that promotes safe practices and environmental stewardship in the barge and towing industry, the largest segment of the U.S. domestic vessel fleet. The program was established in 1994 and has been a condition of AWO membership since 2000.