Culture of Safety and Training

FMT has a tremendous commitment to safety and training. We back this commitment with significant investment in its equipment and people.

FMT has been an industry leader in new construction of both barges and boats to ensure that its customers are serviced with the best equipment available, which provides a safe and comfortable work environment for its crew.

FMT values training and was recently honored by Delgado College for its commitment to training and safety. FMT has established its own training center so that new hires as well as existing employees can stay up to date and sharpen their skills. The company also has its own state of the art simulator, which allows employees to practice their navigation techniques in conditions specially designed for waterway travel.

The company is a member of the Responsible Carrier Program established by the industry’s trade group, The American Waterways Operators (“AWO”). Through the AWO, the company works with the US Coast Guard to ensure safe vessel operation.  FMT, the Coast Guard, and many of our industry peers, are committed to improving maritime safety and better environmental stewardship.  This partnership implements the best practices for protecting the environment and safely navigating our inland waterways.  All of FMT’s vessel captains, steersmen, and pilots are licensed by the Coast Guard. In addition, our inland vessel operators are trained in the use of radar and are prohibited by law from working more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period. All tankermen are licensed and have practical experience in loading and unloading hazardous cargo and formal training in firefighting and dangerous liquid or liquefied gas cargo handling.