Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau - TVIB

TVIB was honored to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah Change of Command Ceremony this week at the Carson Center overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Commander Shehu Bello for his leadership, service, and commitment to the inland river industry during his tenure at MSU Paducah. We wish him continued success as he begins his new role as Deputy Sector Commander in Charleston.

We also welcome Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wilkinson as the new Commanding Officer of MSU Paducah. TVIB looks forward to working alongside LCDR Wilkinson and the entire MSU Paducah team as we continue our shared commitment to maritime safety, stewardship, and the success of our nation's waterways.

Pictured: TVIB Operations Manager Ken Lamph with incoming Commanding Officer LCDR Daniel Wilkinson.

Sallissa Ken Lamph

One of the highlights of Inland Marine Expo was the educational session "Compliance: From Concept to COI," moderated by Tava Foret.

The discussion brought together industry leaders to share practical insights on navigating the regulatory process from vessel design and construction through inspection, compliance, and ultimately obtaining a Certificate of Inspection (COI).

Thank you to the panelists for sharing their expertise and real-world perspectives:

• Kenneth Humphrey, MiNO Marine
• Caleb King, TVIB
• Patrick McKinney, Rushing Marine Service
• Mike Stone, Canal Barge Company

The session sparked valuable conversations around collaboration, regulatory expectations, lessons learned, and the importance of proactive planning throughout the compliance journey.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. And thank you to The Waterways Journal for hosting an amazing event.