TVIB News Industry Press

We are proud to announce Cathy Hammond as the recipient of the 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award—an honor reserved for individuals whose careers reflect the highest standards of community service, professional excellence, and mentorship. Cathy’s life and legacy mirror the very values that Mike Rushing embodied—faith-driven service, fearless leadership, and unwavering support for those around her.

Like Mike, Cathy’s deep faith is at the heart of everything she does. Her commitment to serving others spans both national and international efforts. Cathy has dedicated her time to volunteering with organizations that feed and educate underprivileged communities, and most recently served as a staff member for Royal Family Kids Camp, a program dedicated to enriching the lives of foster children.

Her heart for service led her twice to South Sudan, where she didn’t just offer resources—she gave of herself. On one of those trips, Cathy took a bold and selfless step in building a girls’ school in a region plagued by violence against women. Her mission was simple but profound: educate, protect, and empower. In a harrowing turn of events, Cathy found herself caught in the middle of a violent outbreak of civil war. Trapped in the country and facing serious danger, she was ultimately rescued by Samaritan’s Purse, a faith-based organization that provides aid to victims of war, natural disasters, famine, and other crises around the world. Her bravery, resilience, and commitment to others—even in the face of grave danger—are nothing short of extraordinary.

Cathy’s professional contributions are extensive. Cathy joined her husband at Inland Marine Service in 1988 where she earned her marine industry knowledge by riding vessels, observing the work of deckhands, engineers, and pilots firsthand. In 1994, Cathy joined the American Waterways Operators (AWO) and quickly became a strong advocate for small operators, serving on the AWO Board and Executive Committee and served as the first Chair of the Accreditation Board, now known as the Standards Board. She shared Inland Marine Service’s operations manual, which helped to shape the inland marine industry’s safety and compliance standards by playing an instrumental role in developing the framework of the AWO Responsible Carrier Program.

She was appointed by three different presidential administrations to the Towing Safety Advisory Council (TSAC), ultimately becoming its longest-serving member. Through Cathy’s leadership, Inland Marine Service was among the first and most avid supporters of TVIB. She was the first TVIB Support Organization Member representative to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau, following in the footsteps of two of the founding members Mike Rushing and Tava Foret, and she contributed as a longtime member of TVIB’s Executive Committee.

Cathy is also a loyal friend and mentor to many in our industry. Like Mike, her leadership has always been hands-on. Throughout her career, Cathy has been a trailblazer for women in the marine industry. She broke barriers, shattered ceilings, and lowered ladders for those who followed. Her character, intelligence, and persistence opened doors for countless women and mariners, proving that with engagement and commitment, every voice can be heard.

Cathy has mentored many—especially women—showing by example what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Her impact is profound and lasting, just like Mike’s. As we honor her with the 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award, we know without a doubt that Mike would be proud to see his friend and peer recognized for a lifetime of meaningful service.

Congratulations, Cathy Hammond—and thank you for lighting the way for so many.

Please join us at the 2025 Inland Marine Expo (IMX) in Nashville, TN on Friday, May 30^th at 11:45 am for the annual awards luncheon. We’ll be honoring Cathy Hammond as the 2025 recipient of the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award and celebrating the 2025 Class of 40 Under 40 recipients.

TVIB is proud once again to partner with The Waterways Journal, and The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), and the Rushing Family in presenting the Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award. In addition, on behalf of the members of TVIB, we will present a contribution to support SCI’s Ministry on the River program.

 

In 2015, I was brand new to TVIB and the towing vessel industry attending my first Annual Membership Meeting.  I felt very out of place and nervous. Mike Rushing noticed my unease right away and let me know that the meeting was running well and thanked me for my part in setting things up.  I felt I hadn’t done much but he assured me that every member of a team was valuable, and that I would eventually feel more knowledgeable about the industry and confident in my role.  It was exactly what I needed to hear. He was right, of course, and ten years later I still think about that moment whenever I tackle new challenges. Because this small interaction meant so much, I make sure that I also notice and compliment others on their contributions. This is just one small example of how Mike always found time to guide others, no matter their rung on the ladder.

Recognizing those who inspire others and give so much of themselves to the industry and their community is an important way we can honor the legacy of Mike Rushing.

There are just a few days left to submit your nomination for the 2^nd annual Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award. The 2025 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award is open to individuals across the towboat, tugboat, and barge industry, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard. Nominations are being accepted now through March 1, 2025, for candidates who demonstrate the award’s three core principles:

• Community Service: A demonstrated commitment to uplifting their community through impactful service.
• Professional Excellence: Outstanding contributions to the maritime industry.
• Active and Engaged Mentorship: A passion for guiding and inspiring others in their professional and personal growth.

If you know someone who possesses these qualities and would like to submit them for consideration, please complete the online nomination form. Click here for instructions and a list of needed items when completing the online nomination form. Visit www.thetvib.org/mikerushing for additional details.

Fuel Shutoffs on Towing Vessels
We’ve published a new FAQ on our website to clarify how fuel shutoff valves should be tested. This resource covers testing expectations, frequency options, and Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) requirements.

Why Are Fuel Oil Valves Important?
Fuel shutoff valves are critical safety components designed to stop fuel flow to the engine during a malfunction or hazard. Regular testing ensures they work as intended, reducing the risk of fuel-related incidents.

Find Detailed Guidance in Our FAQ
For comprehensive answers and guidance on testing procedures and TSMS requirements, visit the FAQ section on our website: TVIB FAQ. Use the search function with the term “fuel shutoff” or navigate to 46 CFR Part 143 for relevant details.