For facts and information about Foss, click on the links below.
Our Company
Our Services
Our Quality & Safety Certifications
Our Vessels
Our History
Our Leadership Team
Our Mission
Quality & Safety Certifications
In order to continuously improve operations and ensure the safety of people, equipment, and the environment, Foss complies with and is certified by both domestic and international quality and safety standards. These include:
- ISO (International Organization of Standards) provides a framework and common technological language between suppliers and their customers throughout the globe to define standards and processes of our business systems. Foss complies with ISO 9000 Quality Management System standards and has been certified by American Bureau of Shipping, a third party auditor.
- ISM Code (International Safety Management), established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), promotes a “safety culture” and requires that companies develop a Safety Management System SMS). It helps companies commit to giving priority to safety and environmental protection in their operational activities. The company has attained its Document of Compliance through third party auditing by ABS. Although voluntary for the majority of the fleet, all of our tugs also undergo annual auditing to maintain their own individual Safety Management Certificates demonstrating compliance with the system.
- AWO RCP (American Waterway Operators - Responsible Carrier Program) is a domestic set of safety, quality and environmental standards for the US tugboat, towboat and barge industry. Foss was the first company on the US west coast to become recertified under the RCP, and our Safety Management System continues to meet third party certification requirements.
With these certifications, Foss demonstrates its commitment to:
- Improving safety awareness
- Strengthening environmental controls
- Standardizing practices across all regions
- Structuring employee accountability
- Meeting regulatory requirements
- Enhancing business performance
- Meeting customer contractual requirements