TVIB News

COVID-19 UPDATE: MSIB 10-20: Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements

On 03/27/2020 the USCG published MSIB Number: 10-20 COVID-19 – Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements

To help protect our essential maritime workforce, while also ensuring drug testing continues to serve as a deterrent, the Coast Guard is providing the following guidance, which, along with any subsequent updates, will remain in effect during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Click here to download MSIB Number: 10-20 COVID-19 – Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements

COVID-19: ALL TVIB Staff Working Remotely Effective Immediately

TPO Customers are reminded to call the 24-hour Response Line when reporting CG-835Vs/Marine Casualties/Major Non-Conformities/Unsafe Conditions. Utilizing the 24-hour response line will ensure you are directed to the appropriate on-call staff member.

24-Hour Response Line – 888-983-TVIB (8842)

To our industry partners and friends, we wish you well and urge you to listen to directives from your local, state and federal officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At 0815 this morning Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced a stay-at-home order for Harris County, Texas, which includes unincorporated areas of the county where our main office is located and most of our local staff reside. The order goes into effect at midnight tonight and continues through April 3rd. This time frame will be closely monitored and evaluated by city, county and state officials. We will continue to keep you updated with any developments that could impact our operation or the greater maritime community we serve.

We are closing the main office immediately and all staff will be working remotely. Our main phone number of 832-323-3992 will be answered using an automated attendant that will present the caller with choices to route the call to the appropriate staff member. You can still contact each staff member directly by calling their direct line which can be found on the “Our Staff” page on our website. The majority of our staff routinely work remotely at central locations throughout the inland river system and we are prepared to maintain continuity of services.

Be well, be safe and stay sanitized.

ALERT – TODAY’S AWO WEBINAR ON COVID-19 PLANNING OPEN TO PUBLIC – MUST REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE

AWO has requested TVIB to share this information with our broader audience. See below for details related to the “AWO Webinar: Addressing COVID-19: Preparedness Planning In Action!” at 1:00 pm CDT TODAY.

AWO’s Safety Leadership Advisory Panel is guiding the development of the webinar, which will feature three AWO member representatives – Ketra Anderson, Crowley Maritime Corporation; Marino Hwang, McAllister Towing Corporation; and Patrick Smith, American Commercial Barge Lines – each of whom are working with their companies to meet the challenges the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus poses for maritime employers.

Click here to register.