Forging Ahead There’s no doubt that the barge industry has experienced its share of effects not only from the virus directly, but from the demand drops for various commodities. But as Jennifer Carpenter, CEO of The American Waterways Operators, told The Waterways Journal, “We largely stayed on track despite COVID.” Large, multi-vessel barge companies are complying with Subchapter M certification deadlines despite difficulties; some smaller, single-vessel companies are a bit behind. “Subchapter M continues to be an important focus of our industry. We are working hard to make sure that all vessels are certificated,” she said. On mariner credentialing, which has been made slower and more difficult by COVID-19, “The Coast Guard has been very proactive,” Carpenter said, in working with mariners and extending deadlines to ensure that mariners are not penalized or forced to quit working because of COVID-related delays at processing centers.