safety – Professional Mariner

20 Feb

AWO, American Chemistry Council renew safety agreement

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towingbrownwater, Licensing and training, safety

(WASHINGTON) — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) have renewed a memorandum of agreement that reaffirms a shared commitment between the chemical industry and the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry to enhance safety, environmental protection and security through Responsible Care and AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program (RCP). The agreement renews a streamlined approach that enables…

22 Jan

New report details practical steps to reduce alarm overload

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime Newssafety, shipping, technology

(LONDON) — New research from Lloyd’s Register (LR) has revealed that excessive and nuisance shipboard alarm systems are routinely overwhelming crews and, in many cases, actively undermining safety at sea. The findings, published in "Effective Alarm Management in the Maritime Industry," are based on data collected from 11 operational vessels, spanning over 2,000 days and more than 40 million alarm-related…

05 Jan

Texas A&M ‘smart’ system aims to reduce marine collisions

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, Navigation, safety, technology

(COLLEGE STATION, Texas) — Collisions between marine vessels and vessel impacts with stationary structures, like offshore oil platforms and depleted wellheads, are becoming increasingly common. These incidents come with a cost – including the financial burden of lost goods and potential loss of life. Ocean engineering researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a smarter system to combat these incidents…

23 Dec

Polar Code adds new safety provisions, includes more vessels

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsNavigation, safety, shipping

(LONDON) — Arctic sea ice remains well below average this December with some regions having thinner ice than previous years. In the Antarctic, the pack is retreating toward its summer minimum after a historically low winter maximum. These conditions generate shorter and more unstable navigation windows for polar shipping routes. Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, the new International Maritime Organization…

16 Dec

AWO backs bipartisan Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & TowingNavigation, safety, shipping, U.S. Coast Guard

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The American Waterways Operators (AWO) recently issued the following statement in support of H.R. 6410, the Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. David Rouzer, R-N.C., Laura Gillen, D-N.Y., and Buddy Carter, R-Ga., which requires the U.S. Coast Guard to complete the process of establishing fairways for commercial navigation along the Atlantic Coast. “The American…

03 Dec

Crowley earns CSA awards for environmental stewardship

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsEnvironment, safety, shipping

(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — Crowley has been recognized by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for its commitment to environmental stewardship, earning Environmental Achievement Awards for 108 Crowley-operated vessels that have collectively earned 958 years without an incident. The awards celebrate companies and mariners who maintain the highest standards of safety and ecological protection. Crowley’s achievement reflects its dedication to…

24 Nov

TSB urges stronger safety measures after free-fall lifeboat accident

Professional Mariner StaffCasualty Newssafety, shipping, TSB

(RICHMOND, British Columbia) — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is urging stronger safety measures after a crewmember was seriously injured aboard the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang’s lifeboat in 2023. The TSB highlights the need for proper procedures for risk assessments, equipment-specific training, and a safety management system supported by a mature safety culture with a trusted process for…

20 Nov

Crowley crews receive AOTOS Awards for heroism, safety

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Uncategorizedsafety, shipping

(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — The United Seamen’s Service recognized Crowley mariners with honors at the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, the AOTOS awards spotlight outstanding maritime achievement and pay tribute to American seafarers whose courageous actions and commitment to safety have made a profound impact on the industry…

27 Jul

AWO launches new initiative on preventing falls overboard

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & Towingbrownwater, safety

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — The American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national association of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry, has released its Falls Overboard Prevention Report, a comprehensive, data-driven study analyzing falls overboard in the industry and strategies for prevention. Developed with insights from AWO member companies and case data, the report identifies common causal factors for falls overboard; offers…

22 Jul

Switlik Survival Products names Sarah Switlik as president

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry Newssafety, Search and rescue

(TRENTON, N.J.) — Switlik Survival Products, a global leader in survival solutions for over 100 years, has announced the promotion of Sarah Switlik to president. Formerly serving as chief operating officer for five years, Switlik will now lead a team of 170 employees and assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations, a role she has been gradually stepping into over the…