TVIB News

TVIB would like to invite you to attend our 2019 Fall Industry Informational Session to be held December 3rd, 2019 from 9am – 12pm CST at Turn Services, 3333 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70117.

Agendas for the Informational Session and Board Meeting were sent out yesterday to membership along with registration links for each event.

Topics to be covered include:

1.  New Vessel Construction

               a.  TVIB Guidance Document and Experiences from the Field

               b.  Anticipated Path Forward for New Towing Vessels Being Built

2.  CG-835Vs and Marine Casualty Events

               a.  The Role of the TPO – what we can, cannot and must do

               b.  How TVIB is Involved in Processing and Closing Out CG-835Vs

               c.  Lessons learned

3.  Annual Surveys and External Vessel Audits in Years 2-5 of Phase In

               a.  Survey Review Process – Common Errors Identified

               b.  Changes in Review and Analysis

               c.  Developments with Coast Guard Required Limited Scope Audits After CG-835Vs

               d.  Effective Corrective Action Plans

               e.  Panel Discussion of Auditors/Surveyors – Lessons Learned, Tips and Tricks

4.  Evaluating Areas for Improvement in the TSMS

               a.  Internal Survey Program – Surveyor Qualifications

               b.  Permit to Proceed to Another Port for Repairs

               c.  Navigation Assessments

               d.  Drydocking Expectations Regarding Hull Repairs

Register at the following links:

Informational Session: https://tvib.z2systems.com/eventReg.jsp?event=841&

Board Meeting: https://tvib.z2systems.com/eventReg.jsp?event=846&

We hope to see you there!

We expanded our staff this fall by adding the position of Training and Document Control Coordinator. We would like to welcome Melissa Hardy to the TVIB team. She will coordinate our quality management activities and manage our training design and development program, while supporting TVIBs core TPO responsibilities.  

Melissa brings with her 14 years of experience working in the maritime industry, which includes developing and maintaining safety management systems, maritime fleet management, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, she brings years of training needs analysis, design and development experience. She has assisted companies in the development, management and auditing of quality management systems, and holds ISO Lead Auditor certification. 

Melissa has expressed a desire to do her part in ensuring the safety of life at sea and on the nation’s inland river system.  Melissa and her husband reside in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area where she enjoys hunting and fishing and following NASCAR. She has a passion for working with animals and used to raise rabbits, horses and Labrador Retrievers. Please be sure to welcome her when you get a chance, you can find her contact info on the website Contact Us and Our Staff

With the expansion of our staff resources, TPO Customers are reminded that they should be calling our 24-hour Response Line when in need of assistance with CG-835Vs and Marine Casualty closeout when TPO involvement has been requested by the local OCMI. Utilizing the 24-hour response line will ensure your concerns are directed to the appropriate staff member.

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