About

About Us

TBS Safety began with a 50-foot single-screw tugboat and a mission: keep small business owners safe and operating. Founder Pat Folan spent decades in the towing industry, starting out on a 36-foot wooden tug in Boston Harbor and eventually launching his own company, Intracoastal Transportation. Safety was always on his mind, but it became a true priority when a contract with the U.S. Navy led him to implement a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) for his tug, the Shenandoah. When Subchapter M was released, Pat saw that many small companies were unprepared and unsure of how to respond. Drawing from his own experience and a deep understanding of life on the water, he founded Tug & Barge Solutions to help small operators stay compliant and stay in business.

Since 2012, Tug & Barge Solutions has supported companies working to meet safety standards and keep operations running. Today, we are TBS Safety—serving not only the maritime industry but also construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk sectors. With a team of safety and compliance experts who have worked in the field, we deliver practical solutions that actually fit how businesses run. From certified Safety Management Systems to audits, training, and expert guidance, TBS Safety is here to make safety simple, strong, and sustainable.

Our Mission

At TBS Safety, our mission is to improve safety, enhance operational efficiency, and empower people across industries. We are dedicated to creating safer workplaces, whether on the water, on the job site, or in the office. We are committed to improving safety standards not only within individual companies but throughout entire industries.

At TBS Safety, we are also dedicated to our team, providing fulfilling careers and meaningful work. We empower our employees to grow professionally, contribute to safety innovations, and make a positive impact.