NTSB/AWO Field Trip

On March 16-17, 2009, Canal Barge hosted Board Member Deborah Hersman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Ms. Hersman was joined by her assistant and counsel, Nancy Lewis, and retired Coast Guard Commander Larry Bowling of the NTSB’s marine investigation staff. Gordon DeFilippo and Peter Evans of Marathon Petroleum as well as Jennifer Carpenter, AWO Senior VP-National Advocacy, joined in the Field Trip that included a comprehensive briefing on issues facing the inland barge and towing industry. The Field Trip was initiated by Ms. Hersman to improve her understanding of the inland barge and towing industry. The group also spent substantial time on the Canal Barge Company towboats MV MARY LUCY LANE and MV LUKE BURTON, providing the NTSB an opportunity to observe the tow building process and a chance to explore the layout of inland river towboats. Ms. Hersman and the NTSB team asked questions regarding industry operations and practices and expressed great respect for the work done by industry professionals.