Coast Guard extends AWO guidance for emergency towing on Western rivers

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard has extended the American Waterways Operators (AWO) Emergency Towing Alternative Planning Criterion (APC) through Jan. 31, 2024.

The APC allows AWO members operating tank barges and towing vessels over 400 GRT on the rivers of the Eighth and Ninth Coast Guard districts to meet the emergency towing provisions of the Coast Guard’s vessel response plan requirements by committing to request and provide mutual assistance when needed. Companies using the AWO APC must keep a copy of the Coast Guard’s extension letter with their vessel response plan.

The Coast Guard is in the process of updating guidance for requesting and approving alternative planning criteria and, until new guidance is published, is providing extensions for all APCs, including AWO’s.

AWO will continue to work with the Coast Guard to ensure the sustainability of the industry’s successful mutual assistance approach.

– American Waterways Operators

By Rich Miller