MARCH 2018 • FOGHORN 27 REGULATORYREPORT www.wheelhousetech.com - 978-562-5211 WheelHouse and GP Link are proud to support Boston Harbor Cruises tracking the maintenance and safety requirements for their fleet The following commendation was read by Admiral Linda Fagen in presenting this award to Captain Peter C. Lauridsen “The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard takes great pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award to Captain Peter C. Lauridsen, Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Passenger Vessel Association, for his personal and direct contributions to improving maritime safety in the passenger vessel industry. For over 29 years, Captain Lauridsen has been a national leader in passenger ship safety through his tireless advocacy for both the maritime industry and the Coast Guard. During this period, Captain Lauridsen distinguished himself through exceptional coordi- nation and cooperation on numerous initiatives to advance maritime safety and security. In 1996, Captain Lauridsen was instrumental in estab- lishing the PVA/U.S. Coast Guard Quality Partnership. This partnership, a manifestation of the Coast Guard’s Prevention through People initia- tive, established a forum for ongoing dialog between PVA and Coast Guard senior leadership to resolve issues of mutual concern through joint non-regulatory action. With Captain Lauridsen’s steady guidance, the Quality Partnership successfully addressed a wide range of national challenges affecting the industry and became a focal point for the devel- opment of innovative new oppor- tunities including the Streamlined Inspection Program, operational and manning requirements for domestic high speed craft, and the implemen- tation of Alternate Security Plans for small passenger vessels under the Maritime Transportation Security Act regulations. As a result of this collab- orative effort, the passenger vessel industry sustained over two decades of growth and innovation while con- tinuing to meet public expectations for safety and security. Achampion for the marine safety profession, Captain Lauridsen’s tireless advocacy within the maritime industry, Coast Guard and Congress has been a catalyst for change. His critical input to Coast Guard leaders and external overseers contributed to the development and implementation of a sweeping set of changes to enhance marine safety performance. Even more notewor- thy was his personal dedication to assisting and mentoring countless marine safety professionals. Whether he was teaching the Coast Guard’s newest marine inspectors about the industry or offering his perspective to our most senior marine inspectors and investigators, Captain Lauridsen demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing the marine safety pro- fession that will continue to guide the actions of current and future Coast Guard officers and marine safety personnel. Captain Lauridsen’s exemplary leadership, professional- ism, and dedication are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.” n