For tugboat operators, uptime is everything. Whether moving log booms along the coast, supporting construction projects, transporting cargo by barge, or servicing remote communities, every hour out of service can impact schedules, productivity, and profitability.
That reality makes dependable maintenance partners and strong safety programs essential components of a successful marine operation.
At Arrow Marine Services, both priorities recently came together with the achievement of Certificate of Recognition (COR) certification through the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence (OSSE) program. The certification marks an important milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer service.
Achieving COR certification required more than a year of preparation, system reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. Following an independent audit, Arrow Marine earned a final score of 89 per cent, demonstrating that its occupational health and safety management systems meet recognized provincial standards.
For vessel owners and operators, COR certification provides confidence that work is being completed within a structured framework focused on hazard identification, risk management, accountability, and continuous improvement. In an industry where crews, contractors, and assets operate in dynamic and often challenging environments, that commitment matters.
The certification also reflects the people behind the operation. During the audit process, the external auditor highlighted the strong workplace culture and employee engagement demonstrated throughout the organization. From managers and supervisors to tradespeople and support staff, the team’s commitment to safety played a significant role in achieving this milestone.
Safety and reliability are closely connected. Well-executed maintenance programs, quality workmanship, and disciplined processes all contribute to keeping vessels operating safely and efficiently. Those principles guide Arrow Marine’s approach to serving commercial marine customers throughout British Columbia, Washington, and Alaska.
Located at the mouth of the Fraser River in Richmond, B.C., Arrow Marine Services has become a trusted partner for tugboat operators, barge companies, fishing fleets, and industrial marine customers. The full-service shipyard specializes in vessel repairs, refits, maintenance, fabrication, and emergency response services, providing customers with a single source for many of their marine service requirements.
For the tug and barge sector, Arrow Marine offers a broad range of capabilities, including steel and aluminum fabrication, propulsion system repairs, shaft and propeller work, vessel modifications, mechanical repairs, blasting and coatings, Transport Canada inspection readiness, and in-water repair solutions. The company is also a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certified facility, providing customers with confidence that repair and fabrication work are completed to rigorous industry standards.
One of the company’s most significant assets is its 330-ton Marine Travelift, the largest in the Lower Mainland. Capable of hauling vessels up to 150 feet in length and more than 660,000 pounds, the Travelift enables efficient drydocking for inspections, maintenance, emergency repairs, and major refit projects. For operators looking to minimize downtime, the facility also offers rapid haul-out and refloat services for inspections, propeller work, anode replacement, and other time-sensitive repairs.
Arrow Marine has further strengthened its capabilities with the addition of a new 2,800-square-foot machine shop. Equipped with a 36-foot precision lathe, CNC milling machines, manual machining equipment, and a five-ton overhead crane, the facility is purpose-built to support large marine components. Propeller shafts, rudder stocks, steering components, winches, and other critical vessel systems can now be machined and repaired in-house, reducing lead times and helping customers return to service faster.
As marine operators continue to face increasing demands for performance, reliability, and safety, partnerships with experienced service providers become increasingly valuable. Arrow Marine’s investment in advanced equipment, skilled tradespeople, and industry-leading safety systems demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting the needs of BC’s tug and barge industry today and into the future.
To learn more about Arrow Marine Services’ vessel repair, refit, machine shop, fabrication, and emergency response capabilities, visit www.arrow.ca/marine.
