28 JUNE 2017 • FOGHORN SAFETYMATTERS By Eric Christensen, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Risk Management Fast Page Loads Streamlined Checkout Multiple Account Sign-Ons Improved Search Quick Order Easy Invoice Look-up Requisition Lists • Over 135,000 products for your business • 28 regional distribution centers • Same-day van delivery • 250+ stores • The most-knowledgeable and seasoned sales representatives in the industry Your 24/7 destination that’s packed with the features you need to get the most out of your time and money. westmarinepro.com All backed by the power of West Marine Pro. 1-800-621-6885 or visit westmarinepro.com. Increased Inventory Availability I llegal charters have been around for as long as legal charters. Illegal charter operations skirt the required credentialing and/or safety requirements and pose a significant hazard to life, property, and the environment. In addition, when a casualty involving an illegal charter occurs, it can have a negative impact on our legitimate passenger vessel industry. There is a growing trend that is exacerbating the issue of illegal charters and making noncompliance more prevalent and accessible. Recently within the vacation and recreation industry, property owners are entering into agreements to temporarily lease, charter, or rent their homes or vehicles to interested parties for compensation. As expected, there are several emerging business ventures and websites now dedicated to boat sharing, rentals, and transportation-by- water using business plans similar to the lodging and vehicle Addressing the Scourge of Illegal Charters models. The use of smartphone apps to book these arrange- ments and provide payment in a cashless manner make these transactions even more attractive. All entities participating in these ventures need to be fully aware of the U.S. laws and Coast Guard safety regulations that apply. Depending on the specific nature of the operation and agreement, the Coast Guard may need to be involved in the inspection of these vessels and/or the credentialing of their operators. Call to Action Recent casualties aboard illegal charter vessels, including those with loss of life, highlight the need for coordinated near-term actions and long-term solutions. PVA staff and members have engaged the Coast Guard at the national and local levels to address our concerns. In October 2016, then-PVA President Margo Marks sent a letter to Admiral Paul Thomas, the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy urging the Coast Guard to: (1) Reach out to businesses that provide boat-sharing websites to clarify the legal requirements associated with chartering a recreational vessel and encourage them to act affirmatively to conform the offerings on their sites with the law; (2) Undertake to make members of the public aware of safety regulations and oversight for inspected passenger vessels; (3) Develop policy for Coast Guard field units to provide guidance on investigation and enforcement of these poten- tially illegal activities; and (4) Consider whether it should recommend to Congress that the Passenger Vessel Services Act be amended to establish civil or criminal penalties for third parties such as boat-sharing websites or charter brokers that facilitate illegal charter arrangements. Under the auspices of Coast Guard/PVA Quality Partnership, work has begun to charter a working group to look at the issues and challenges associated with illegal charters, and come up with recommendations to improve education and enforcement activities as well as address PVA’s concerns mentioned above. PVA Past President Mike Borgstrom, owner of Wendella Boats in Chicago, is the co-lead of the working group. Locally, PVA staff has par- ticipated in a number of Coast Guard industry days across the country and raised the issue of illegal charters and the