Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau - TVIB

05/29/2026

We hope to see you this afternoon!

Join us on the tradeshow floor at 12:15 pm for the 40 Under 40 Awards Lunch, celebrating the Class of 2026’s rising industry leaders. We’ll also honor the recipient of the second annual Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award.

05/29/2026

TVIB was proud to serve as a hole sponsor for the
Propeller Club Port of Paducah, KY International Propeller Club – Port of Paducah Golf Tournament on Friday, May 15.

The tournament helps fund two scholarships each year for graduating seniors, supporting the next generation of leaders entering the workforce and maritime industry.

TVIB’s Senior Operations Manager, Caleb King, who currently serves as Chairman of the club, was honored to support an event that brings together industry representatives from across the river system. Caleb also had the opportunity to participate alongside the Marquette Transportation Company team, including Jody Acree, Reagan Garner, and Johnny Draffen.

TVIB is grateful to support events that strengthen relationships across the industry while investing in future maritime professionals.

05/28/2026

Please join Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau and The Waterways Journal at the IMX 2026 Awards Ceremony as we proudly present the 2026 Mike Rushing Legacy Service Award to Joseph M. Tyson, Canal Barge Company posthumously.

In addition to honoring Joe’s lasting leadership and contributions to the inland maritime industry, there will also be a special presentation of a donation to The Seamen's Church Institute made in his honor.

Friday, May 29, 2026
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Main Stage

We hope you will join us for this meaningful industry recognition and tribute.

05/27/2026

We hope to see you at IMX 2026 for an important session moderated by TVIB President & Co-Founder, Tava Foret

“Navigating the Realities of a New Construction TSMS Option Vessel: Concept to COI” will bring together perspectives from operators, engineers, surveyors, auditors, and vessel owners to discuss the real-world challenges of moving a vessel from construction to active service under the TSMS option.

Attendees can look forward to practical discussion around COI issuance, testing expectations, Coast Guard coordination, operational readiness, and lessons learned from the field.

Thursday, May 28
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Starboard Session Room

See you soon!

Education Preview: Bringing a new vessel online under Subchapter M isn’t just a milestone—it’s a complex handoff where details make or break success.

COMPLIANCE — Concept to COI: Navigating the Realities of a New Construction TSMS Option Vessel
🕐 Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 10:15 AM

🎙 Moderator: Tava S. Foret, President & Co-Founder, Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau - TVIB
👥 Speakers:
• Kenneth Humphrey, Licensed P.E. & Managing Partner, MiNO Marine, LLC
• Patrick McKinney, Marine Surveyor & Lead Auditor, Rushing Marine
• Mike Stone, Manager of Vessel Engineering, Canal Barge Company

From shipyard delivery to COI issuance and into active service, this session unpacks one of the most complex—and least discussed—phases of new vessel construction under the TSMS option. Hear perspectives from engineers, surveyors and operators on where breakdowns happen, how to navigate evolving Coast Guard expectations and what it takes to move smoothly from concept to operations.

🔗 View all education session details: inlandmarineexpo.com/education-sessions/

05/25/2026

As Memorial Day approaches, TVIB honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In observance of Memorial Day, TVIB offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Please call the 24 hour emergency response line 888-983-TVIB (8842) if you need immediate assistance.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/22/2026

Today, on National Maritime Day, we recognize the hardworking men and women who help keep America’s waterways moving safely and efficiently every day.

From vessel crews and operators to inspectors, auditors, trainers, and maritime professionals across the industry, your dedication plays an important role in supporting commerce, safety, and the strength of our maritime industry.

At Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau, we are proud to support the towing vessel industry through safety, compliance, and partnership.

Thank you to all those who continue to move the maritime industry forward.

05/21/2026

Did you know? Participants in TVIB training courses often bring decades of real-world experience into the classroom.

Earlier this year at a TVIB course, attendees represented more than 281 combined years on the water.

That level of experience drives meaningful discussion, shared lessons learned, and practical takeaways that go far beyond theory.

TVIB’s next class offering is the DD/ISE course, taking place July 28–30 in Paducah, KY.

With only 6 seats remaining, we encourage interested attendees to register soon before the class reaches capacity.

Learn more or register at TVIB.org

05/20/2026

Heading to IMX 2026 in Nashville? Be sure to stop by Booth #517 and connect with the TVIB team.

We look forward to visiting with industry partners, operators, surveyors, and maritime professionals throughout the show and sharing more about the work TVIB is doing to support safety, training, compliance, and operational excellence across the towing vessel industry.

We may even have something new in the works, so make sure Booth #517 is on your list of stops during the exhibit hall.

IMX 2026 Exhibit Hours:
Thursday, May 28 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, May 29 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

See you in Nashville.

05/19/2026

Tava Foret also attended “The Jones Act Waiver: Mapping the Battlefield and Arming You for the Fight” during last week’s American Waterways Operators Spring Convention & Barge-In in Washington, D.C.

The session featured industry insights and discussion from Jennifer Carpenter, Ben Lerner, Craig Montesano, and Patrick Parsons of AWO, with conversations focused on current Jones Act waiver discussions, advocacy efforts, and the long-term impact on the U.S. maritime industry.

A few key takeaways from the discussion included:
• The Jones Act continues to play a critical role in supporting domestic maritime commerce, jobs, and national security
• Industry engagement and education remain important as waiver discussions evolve
• Unified advocacy across maritime organizations helps strengthen the long-term future of the inland waterways industry
• Clear communication about operational and economic impacts is essential when discussing maritime policy

The session reinforced the importance of industry alignment and ongoing engagement on maritime policy issues.

What conversations or policy issues do you believe will have the biggest impact on the maritime industry over the next several years?

05/18/2026

Today, on International Day for Women in Maritime, we recognize and celebrate the women across the maritime industry who help keep operations moving forward every day.

From leadership and administration to compliance, training, communication, coordination, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities, women continue to strengthen the maritime community.

A special thank you to the incredible women of TVIB for the work you do each day to support our members, our industry, and one another. We are grateful for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the towing vessel industry.

Happy International Day for Women in Maritime.

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Tava Foret Lauren Parsonage Jeppson Lindsey Brown Maia Nendza Booth-Miller Cruz