Rio Marine Achieves First AWO RCP Certification
The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB) announced that Rio Marine, Inc. has become the first maritime services provider to achieve certification under the American Waterways Operators’ (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program (RCP).
The RCP is a safety management system for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry that sets standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement. To earn certification, companies undergo a third-party audit evaluating policies, procedures, employee practices, and operational performance.
Capt. David A. Foret Jr. of the ACTion group, a firm providing compliance, training, and safety services to the maritime industry for over 26 years, supported Rio Marine during the preparation phase. Capt. Foret, originally certified as an auditor by AWO, now serves as a credentialed TVIB-certified auditor.
Founded in 1929, Rio Marine, Inc. operates across eleven U.S. locations and provides a wide range of services, including electrical, hydraulic, and navigation systems, engineering, and vessel repair.
This accomplishment highlights how TVIB’s mission extends beyond its work as a Third-Party Organization (TPO) under Subchapter M/TSMS compliance. Through RCP audits, TVIB supports both towing vessel operators and affiliate members, expanding its role in advancing industry-wide safety and compliance.