Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 3226 JUNE 2016 • FOGHORN HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU By Jen Wilk, Director, Public Affairs and Development PVA Working For You Boat Sharing Websites – PVA Voicing Your Concerns to Coast Guard Leadership HSC CODE ANNEX 10 ISO 9001:2008 The most versatile, safe, and light weight seats are now... P VA voiced members’ growing concerns surrounding boat sharing websites to senior U.S. Coast Guard leadership at the most recent PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership meeting. The Quality Partnership is an of- ficially chartered group comprised of PVA and Coast Guard senior leader- ship. Through this group, PVA utilizes the opportunity to discuss with Coast Guard policymakers issues of concern and opportunities for continuous im- provement, as well as seek non-regula- tory solutions to these areas of concern. Concerns with Boat Sharing Websites PVA members have reported a number of new boat sharing websites. These are similar to other “sharing economy” online platforms (such as Uber or AirBnB). This popular new business model has found its way into the marine industry by providing a venue for recreational boat owners to rent out their vessels, or in some cases take their vessels from point A to point B, for a fee. PVA expressed a concern about these boat sharing websites because the language promotes the sale of charters for hire but does not, on its face, meet the regulatory requirements. The Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 provided clarifying legislative direction as to what constitutes inspected passenger and small passenger vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, and bareboat charters. Based on the search results associ- ated with these boat sharing services there is a need to reach out to these organizations and clarify the legal re- quirements associated with charter- ing a recreational vessel. Also on these websites, the public should be made aware of the hazards associated with taking trips on vessels not subject to the same level of safety regulations and oversight as inspected passenger vessels. PVA urged the Coast Guard to undertake notification and enforcement activities towards these organizations. Next Steps The Coast Guard and PVA agreed to create an official working group with PVA members to examine the issues surrounding these boat sharing websites and develop an actionable plan for what to do next. In addition to this, PVA suggested that the Coast Guard communicate this problem to the field units and provide guidance on enforcement. Coast Guard leader- ship encouraged PVA to continue to provide updates as it hears more on this from members, which will support the development of an education and outreach plan. As a PVA member, if you’d like to be a part of this working group, let us know. This is just part of PVA’s ongoing work to seek Coast Guard enforcement action against illegal charter opera- tions nationwide. PVA is a member- driven organization. Led by Executive Officers, a Board of Directors, and Committee volunteers made up of operators like you. Your Association speaks as the voice of the industry to federal regulatory agencies. PVAserves you by advocating for a regulatory en- vironment that facilitates not only safe operations, but also the economic well- being of U.S. passenger vessel owners and operators like you. n