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The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB) is one organization that has been created to try and get in front of the requirements for subchapter M audits. The primary purpose of the TVIB organization is to provide accreditation for third-party auditors and surveyors who work for USCG accepted organizations and conduct third-party audits and/ or surveys of towing vessels in accordance with Subchapter M. The TVIB will train and accredit auditors of vessels towing along side or pushing ahead on inland waters (East, West and Gulf Coasts), as well as the Western Rivers. The TVIB will provide and maintain an audit tool (checklist) for use by all auditors assessing compliance with Subchapter M and train auditors on how to use the tool. However, the TVIB will not conduct audits under Subchapter M itself nor will it provide day-to-day oversight of the auditors or surveyors. While I am not aware of any other organizations attempting to discern what the qualiÞ cations for auditors will be once Subchapter M comes to fruition, it is evident that given the number of uninspected vessels out there, we will need a signiÞ cant number of auditors. A structured system is paramount to ensuring proÞ ciency and competency among auditors and to make certain audits are conducted in a professional, fair and consistent manner. SUB M W AITING GAMEIt has already been a long wait for the Subchapter M Þ nal rulemaking and patience is wearing thin for many in this industry. Hopefully the Þ nal product will be worth the wait and will allow enough time to develop competent auditors and a fair and consistent auditing system.SAFETYCaptain Katharine Sweeney is CEO of Compliance Maritime, provider of independent internal auditing of security, safety, quality and environmental management systems for vessel operators. Captain Sweeney is an experienced Master Mariner, safety expert and federally licensed pilot with over 25 years in the Maritime Industry. [email protected] 38 MNNovember 2012MNNov2012 Layout 32-49.indd 38MNNov2012 Layout 32-49.indd 3811/6/2012 3:16:10 PM11/6/2012 3:16:10 PM