JUNE 2017 • FOGHORN 23 LEGISLATIVEREPORT handling methods minimize the risk of contamination. Durability, cleanability, and suitability of the deck covering and sheathing for bulkheads and ceilings is to be appropriate for food spaces. There are also FDAFood Code requirements for lighting intensity and shielding above food preparation, storage, display, and service spaces. The FDA may also check drawings for ventilation fan rooms and any intake/exhaust ventilators in exposed deck areas to make sure that rat-proofing and insect-proofing concerns are properly addressed. These devices must be ac- cessible for cleaning and inspection to prevent them from becoming reservoirs for microorganisms that can cause re- spiratory infections. Once the vessel plan review has resulted in satisfactory findings, FDAwill issue a letter stating that the design meets FDA’s sanitary construction requirements. When vessel construction begins, FDA inspectors may visit the shipyard up to as many as four times, the last occurring when the vessel is completed and ready for delivery. The inspections are to make sure that actual con- struction conforms to the FDA-approved plans and specifica- tions. On-site inspections typically concentrate on backflow prevention, food spaces, foodservice equipment installation, routing of non-potable water piping, drain piping, and ven- tilation. When any significant construction deficiencies have been verified as corrected and water sampling shows that the potable water meets the EPA drinking water quality standards, FDA will provide the vessel owner with a Certificate of Sanitary Construction. Vessel Operations Once a covered vessel begins operations, it is subject to occasional FDA inspections to check for sanitary conditions. These inspections can focus on food spaces and practices, maintenance of potable and non-potable water systems, plumbing, ventilation, waste handling, and vermin control. If the vessel passes the inspection, it is issued a Certificate of Sanitation. In the event of detected violations, FDA can issue a warning letter, seek a temporary restraining order or permanent injunction, or have the Coast Guard issue a “no sail” order. Keep in mind that FDA posts all warning letters on a special web page that is accessible to the public. PVA staff believes that FDA’s resources are stretched thinly and that the agency may not exercise its legal authority in some situations in which it has jurisdiction. If you have experience with dealing with FDA vessel inspections or en- forcement, PVA would welcome hearing from you. n • Passenger seats • Interior benches • Exterior benches • Fold up seat • Captain’s Chairs • Bar stools •Stackabledining chair •Tables • Full range of accessories Certified interior and exterior seating and accessories for passenger vessels and terminals