III
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 611
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 21, 2024
Mr. Manchin (for himself and Mrs. Capito) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of March 22, 2024, as National Inland Waterways Workers Safety Awareness Day
and supporting the goals and ideals of National Inland Waterways Workers Safety Awareness Day
.
Whereas workers in the national inland waterways system play a crucial role, navigating ships, barges, and tugboats through the navigable waters of the United States, loading and unloading barges and transport vessels, and cleaning and caring for vessels and shipyards;
Whereas the United States needs to reduce transportation-vessel and shipyard-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries, continue to improve the safe transportation of domestic cargo by towboat, tugboat, and barge, and prevent employee fatalities;
Whereas, in 2022, there were 4 fatalities and 101 injuries amongst towing vessel crew and related employees;
Whereas the safety and well-being of deckhands, engineers, masters and mates, and shoreside workers are of the utmost importance, and it is crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and resources to perform their duties effectively;
Whereas towboat, tugboat, and barge transportation are among the safest and most efficient modes of domestic freight transportation in the United States;
Whereas the Coast Guard-American Waterways Operators Safety Partnership represents a unique public-private partnership to improve vessel safety; and
Whereas the establishment and enforcement of safety standards in the towing vessel industry has significantly reduced fatalities and injuries in the operation of towing vessels: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
designates March 22, 2024, as National Inland Waterways Workers Safety Awareness Day
;
encourages relevant Federal, State, and local authorities in addition to related industry and worker groups to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing safety awareness in and around towing-vessel employment;
recognizes the need for deckhands, engineers, masters and mates, shoreside workers, and other employees to remain safe while on the jobsite;
applauds and supports the efforts that the Coast Guard, American Waterways Operators, Maritime Trades Department, and other groups have taken to reduce the incidents of workplace injuries and fatalities in and around towing vessels; and
praises the companies and employers that operate safely and care for the health and safety of their workers.