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 3222 JULY 2016 • FOGHORN HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU By Jen Wilk, Director, Public Affairs and Development PVA Working For You R e c e n t l y, P VA s u b m i t t e d comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of a right-sized and less burdensome route to compli- ance for new FCC radio requirements. PVA’s advocacy work, along with several similarly aligned maritime or- ganizations including the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) and Sportsfishing Association of California (SAC) yielded this action. Coast Guard’s proposal will allow for passenger-carrying vessels required by new FCC rules to carry VHF radio equipment with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability to be permitted to carry Class D instead of Class A. This proposal also makes the process less burdensome, and its blanket provision will save individual operators time and money (a $195 FCC fee) associated with filing for a waiver simply to use the Class D alternative. In its most simplified form, VHF radios with DSC have that “red button” that can be pushed to send a distress signal and call for help. However, the FCC rules default to the Class A re- quirement which are designed for large ocean-going ships subject to SOLAS regulations. These Class A radios cost hundreds of dollars more and have ca- pabilities in excess of what is needed for PVA member type vessels. This requirement has an impact on vessels that operate on Coastwise and Limited Coastwise routes, as indicated in their Coast Guard issued Certificate of Inspection (COI). Over the past year, PVA has been working with FCC and Coast Guard to Certified interior and exterior seating and accessories for any commercial vessel • Passenger seats • Interior benches • Exterior benches • Fold up seat • Helm seat • Bar stool •Tub chair •Tables • Full range of accessories Certified interior and exterior seating and accessories for any commercial vessel • Passenger seats • Interior benches • Exterior benches • Fold up seat • Helm seat • Bar stool •Tub chair •Tables • Full range of accessories