AUGUST 2017 • FOGHORN 29 HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU Navigating your risks, day and night. As the owner of a passenger vessel you face tough decisions every day, from hiring qualified crew to making sure your vessel is in prime condition. At Aon, we spend day and night thinking about your maritime risks so buying insurance doesn’t have to be another tough decision. We work with you to develop creative approaches and customized solutions that deliver more efficiencies, improved profitability and greater value. For more information, please call 1.800.730.7053 or visit passengervessel.com/member-resources.html#insurance Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. Navigating your Aon Risk Solutions Marine incorporate new TWIC Reader regula- tions for certain facilities, a new policy letter on Breach of Security reporting, guidance on assessing cyber security vulnerabilities and tools for best practices. The cyber security guidance only applies to systems with a nexus with marine operations and then only required reporting activity that would cause a Transportation Security Incident (TSI). The structure of the ASP program has also been updated to improve ease of use and streamlined implementation for operators. PVA Advocates for Funding for Vessel Repowers with Reduced Emissions Engines PVA advocated, along with 44 other organizations, to urge U.S. Members of Congress to increase funding for the voluntary Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant program.  Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DERA provides federal grant funds to help finance engine repowers and re- placements with the goal of reducing air emissions.  DERAhas enjoyed over- whelming bipartisan support over the years. The coalition’s request is for Congress to fund DERAat $100 million in fiscal 2018, a substantial increase over the current year’s funding level ($60,000,000). Over the years, several PVA members have benefited from this program with successful grant awards. These PVA members have worked to improve air quality and protect the health of their operating environment by reducing emissions from diesel engines through projects funded by this program. This has also resulted in new engine orders for PVA Associate Members who manufacture marine power systems.  PVA Continues to Advocate for Action against Illegal Charters PVA continues to advocate for increased Coast Guard enforce- ment action taken against operators of illegal charters. At a recent Coast Guard Industry Day meeting, PVA fa- cilitated a frank discussion about the topic. At this event, operators spoke up voicing their concerns about illegal charters skirting regulations, and en- dangering the safety of the public who are unaware this vulnerability. Coast Guard responded with a renewed commitment to increasing investiga- tions and enforcement action against these illegal operators. PVA is encour- aged by this, and looks forward to working with the Coast Guard through the newly chartered working group to continue to tackle this issue. n