OCTOBER 2017 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater direct benefits to PVAmembers, and has saved them thousands of dollars in development costs, is the PVA Alternate Security Program (ASP). PVA members and staff work closely with the Coast Guard to ensure that the PVA ASP recommends security measures that are both appropriate and reasonable. Security concerns ebb and flow over time and the PVA ASP is revised periodically. Accordingly, the PVAASP has just undergone its fourth revision. PVA members and staff who were involved in this process went to great lengths to ensure that, once again, any revised or additional security measures would be reasonable in nature. We believe strongly that we achieved this goal. Those of you using the ASP have most likely received the revised program, along with detailed instruc- tions about what specific steps to take in updating and revising your security programs. Hopefully, it will be straightforward for you, but if you have any questions, I encourage you to contact PVA staff directly. We will be glad to offer any assistance necessary to smoothly guide you through the process. Coast Guard Enforcement of Illegal Charters PVAhas set as one of its top priorities focusing attention to the growing problem of illegal charters in our nation’s ports. Not only does this pose a safety concern for passen- gers who unknowingly charter these illegal vessels, but it has the potential of unfairly placing legitimate and safe passenger vessel operators in an unfavorable light when accidents occur. As a result, PVA has vigorously urged the Coast Guard to take immediate enforcement actions to help curb this growing problem. In August, the Coast Guard in Chicago boarded and terminated voyages of 22 vessels for allegedly conduct- ing illegal charter operations on Lake Michigan and on the Illinois River. In taking this action, the Coast Guard acknowledged that they increased their “deterrent opera- tions” as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure passenger safety and to combat boat owners and operators who are illegally chartering or renting their vessels. During that operation, the Coast Guard issued Notices of Violations of more than $50,000. Looking Forward…. In August, the PVA Board of Directors approved an operating budget for 2018 that provides the funding for our association to continue and expand its important work on behalf of all PVA members. The process for developing budgets for PVA operations involves a variety of dedicated PVA leaders and committees. The PVAFinance Committee, under the chairmanship of Robin Trinko- Russell, Madeline Island Ferry Line, La Pointe, WI, begins the process each year by working closely with both PVA officers and staff to establish funding for the Association’s short- and long-term strategic objectives. This painstaking effort results in a draft budget, which is presented to the PVA Board of Directors for their approval. The acceptance of the 2018 PVA Operating Budget by the PVA Board of Directors paves the way for PVA to continue its active advocacy efforts b e f o r e M e m b e r s o f Congress and the regu- latory agencies. It also supports active involve- ment in matters relating to the Coast Guard safety, security and inspection matters that directly impact member operations. Also included will be an expansion of work by PVA’s committees. These committees, which are made up of PVA member volunteers, will develop a host of new programs, policies and resources that are intended to improve PVA member operations and that can used directly in their businesses. PVA Member Benefits Continue to Grow Over the years, PVA has delivered millions of dollars of tangible benefits to PVA members. PVA safety and training programs have allowed members to effectively train crew and therefore enhance overall safety. This year, an Online Safety Portal was introduced so PVA members can exclusively download training materials and guidance to improve their risk management programs. An updated PVA Alternate Security Program was just approved by the Coast Guard and is ready for PVA member use. This program has saved PVA member thousands of dollars in development costs. PVA Alternate Security Program As mentioned above, one program that has delivered LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 Coast Guard boarding team at recreational vessel suspected of being illegally chartered. Photo credit: Coast Guard.