28 OCTOBER 2017 • FOGHORN HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU By Jen Wilk, Director, Public Affairs and Development PVA Working For You PVAʼs Advocacy Efforts Yield Increased Enforcement Action From Coast Guard on Illegal Charters and Rail Jumping Offenders +1 920.686.5117 sales@burgerboat.com burgerboatcommercial.com Proudly built in the USA Burger is recognized worldwide for quality custom vessels that provide years of dependable service. Quality Commercial Vessels... Built by Burger to Your Requirements • Aluminum and Steel Fabrication • Passenger Vessels • Research Vessels • Fast Crew Boats • Fast Supply Boats • Wind Farm Support Vessels • Fishing Vessels • Other Vessels to 260' (80m) Under Construction 103’ (31m) Steel Explorer Vessel T his summer, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken increased enforcement actions against illegal charter operators and rail jumping offenders. This action is due in large part to PVA’s advocacy efforts. PVA has spoken out against these activities that negatively impact the safety of passenger vessel operations. PVA has urged action through regular Quality Partnership meetings with Coast Guard leadership, presentations at Industry Day events, informative articles, and developing working groups connecting operators and Coast Guard investigators. This outreach has yielded sub- stantive wins in the fight against illegal charters and rail jumpers. PVA knows its members are dedicated to safe op- erations and is encouraged by the Coast Guard taking legal action against those who put vessel safety at risk. The word is getting out; the Coast Guard is taking action, nationwide, and even during the busy summer season. This increased enforcement action includes fines that are not only penalizing the offenders, but also acting as a deterrent to others who are considering similar actions. Shutting Down Illegal Charters Last month in Chicago, IL, the Coast Guard boarded 39 boats and terminated the voyages of 22 vessels for allegedly conducting illegal charter operations on Lake Michigan and the Illinois River. According to the Coast Guard in that area, “increased deterrent operations” such as this are a part of their ongoing efforts to ensure passenger safety and to combat boat owners and operators who are illegally charter- ing or renting their vessels. The terminated operations had administrative controls placed on their vessels with Captain of the Port orders by the Coast Guard restricting them from further operation.