Changes to AWO Responsible Carrier Program

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has implemented changes in its Responsible Carrier Program (RCP). If your company is a participant in the RCP, it might be a good time to review your safety management system to ensure that your company is in compliance. According to The Waterways Journal Weekly, changes to the RCP include: AWO […]

Tire Dust Is Poisoning Coho Salmon

In December of 2020, The Seattle Times reported that in a paper published in Science magazine, researchers have identified an antioxidant chemical used in tire rubber that can cause the deaths of coho salmon, particularly in the Puget Sound region: More specifically, a single chemical, 6PPD-quinone, derived from a preservative that helps tires last longer, […]

USCG Crackdown on TPO Inspections of Quality Management Systems

On March 31, 2020, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) updated CG-CVC Mission Management System Work Instructions CVC-WI-005(2) Request For Recognized Organization Internal Quality Management System Review – “Quality Case” to inform USCG Marine Inspectors to “evaluate situations where objective evidence indicates that a potential failure of a Recognized Organization (RO) or a Third Party […]

Regulatory Database Ensures Vessel Documentation Compliance

Freer Consulting recently took over the management of a “Regulatory Database” for a key maritime transportation client. This database tracks the expiration of important licenses and certifications for the company’s vessels. The maritime regulatory ecosystem is vast, with diverse state, Federal, and international authorities requiring certificates that expire on different dates and can have different […]

EPA Proposes Rollback of Clean Water Act Regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a change in definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The move represents a long running argument between interested parties and how broad the definition should be. The definition hinges on what “navigable waters” means. A prior rule change in 2015 was […]

Freer VMS and ADP eTIME Integration

For any business, keeping track of labor costs is crucial. This can be a challenge when workers are widely dispersed, which is especially true for maritime companies that have employees on vessels anywhere in the world. Freer Consulting’s customizable and scalable Vessel Management System (VMS) software allows for seamless syncing with ADP’s eTIME software. Employees […]

On Board With The Clean Boatyard Program Certification

The Clean Boatyard Program provides an opportunity for boatyards to attract and maintain customers while demonstrating a commitment to the environment.  This voluntary program, which was created by partners in the public and private sectors, encourages boatyards to implement and maintain sound environmental practices. The Clean Boating Foundation provides two levels of certification as part […]

Certified Clean Marinas

In this day and age, potential customers and regulatory authorities expect good environmental stewardship. To encourage this, partners in the public and private sectors created the Certified Clean Marina program. This program, which has been adopted by numerous marinas, helps you create a cleaner, safer community and demonstrates your environmental leadership to customers. Freer Consulting […]