The American Waterways Operators (AWO) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) renew for three years a memorandum of agreement to promote environmental, health, safety and security performance through ACC's Responsible Care and AWO's Responsible Carrier Program. The agreement was originally executed in 2006 and subsequently renewed in 2010 and 2013.
The MOA extends cooperation and collaboration between chemical shippers and carriers and provides ACC's Responsible Care Partner companies in the marine sector the option of using AWO's Responsible Carrier Program audit system to meet ACC's Responsible Care certification requirements. Chemicals account for roughly 10% of total barge traffic, with 70 million tons moved by barge in 2014, according to AWO.
Since 2006, all eligible Responsible Care Partner companies within the marine sector that transport chemicals via barge have utilized the agreement to meet their obligations for both the Responsible Carrier Program and Responsible Care, saving time and resources while promoting best practices that protect waterways and surrounding communities.
Responsible Care is the chemical industry's environmental, health, safety and security performance initiative that extends continuous improvement efforts beyond the facility fence line to include the entire value chain. Participation in Responsible Care is a condition of membership for all ACC Member and Responsible Care Partner companies, all of which had made a CEO-level commitment to uphold the program principles.
The AWO Responsible Carrier Program is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard as an existing safety management system that complies with the requirements of 46 CFR Subchapter M, Coast Guard regulations promulgated in 2016 establishing a comprehensive inspection regime for towing vessels, according to AWO. Designed for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, the RCP encompasses all aspects of fleet operations and exceeds regulatory standards while incorporating industry best practices. RCP compliance is a condition of membership for AWO carrier member companies.
For more information, visit: www.americanwaterways.com
