Foss Maritime enlists ABS for Subchapter M compliance support

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the marine and offshore industries, has been awarded a Third Party Organization (TPO) contract by Foss Maritime to support compliance with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter M requirements. Based in Seattle, WA, Foss Maritime owns and operates a fleet of tugs and offers maritime transportation and logistics services.

“As a trusted advisor to the marine industry, ABS remains committed to offering fully integrated solutions to help industry comply with regulatory requirements,” says ABS Americas Division President Jamie Smith. “ABS works with tug and tow boat owners and operators to achieve their unique compliance needs while minimizing operational service interruptions.”

This contract positions ABS as Foss’ TPO, providing a complete suite of Subchapter M services, including TPO surveys, International Safety Management (ISM) compliance, Load Line compliance and audits of its Responsible Carrier Program (RCP).

“The tug and barge industry has been preparing for compliance with Subchapter M regulations for several years,” says Foss Maritime’s VP of Operations and Marine Assurance Igor Loch. “We embraced ABS as our exclusive Subchapter M partner based on their continued commitment to towing vessel safety and its comprehensive compliance solutions. We feel confident that ABS will contribute to our continued success.”

As an USCG Recognized Organization (RO) and an approved TPO, ABS provides fully integrated solutions to help owners and operators achieve and maintain Subchapter M compliance. The unique needs of any organization for compliance can be realized through a combination of services including Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) development, implementation and auditing, comprehensive plan review on behalf of the USCG, ABS class in conjunction with the International Safety Management Code (ISM), and ABS Nautical Systems’ fleet management software. ABS can administer audits for the Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) – a USCG approved TSMS option on behalf of American Waterways Operators (AWO). With more than 30 locations in the US supported by a seasoned team of surveyors, auditors and engineers, ABS has the geographic coverage and experience to help industry meet Subchapter M requirements.