24 JUNE 2018 • FOGHORN REGULATORYREPORT By Peter Lauridsen, PV A Regulatory Affairs Consultant As a leader in passenger vessel design, stability assessments and refurbishments, our vessels are not only beautiful, they’re also safe and efficient to operate while producing maximum profitability for owners. To bring Jensen on board for your next passenger vessel design or build, contact us at 206.332.8090 or visit our website at jensenmaritime.com. PASSENGER VESSEL DESIGNS: OPTIMIZED FOR PROFITABILITY L E A R N MOR E AT SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/HALO REVOLUTIONARY. See near and far, in an instant, with Halo Pulse Compression Radar. I n 1996, PVA and the U.S. Coast Guard entered into a formal, chartered partnership agreement. This agreement was called The Quality Action Partnership (QAP). One of its main purposes was to discuss issues of mutual concern and with joint study groups of PVA and Coast Guard specialists to research, analyze and develop non-regulatory solutions. Over the years, we have solved problems in security, stability, inspec- tion, fire protection, high-speed vessel manning, and dozens of others issues large and small. Some provoked vigorous and persistent debate between the Coast Guard staff and PVA representatives at the tri-annual – now bi-annual – meetings between senior Coast Guard marine safety staff and PVA officers and staff. One topic that was noted for its longevity and intensity was the use of CG Form 2692 used to report casualties and incidents to the Coast Guard for in- vestigation and statistical analysis. The “when and why” was always at issue. The resultant use – or seemly abuse – was addressed ad hoc with little iden- tification as to patterns or significance. Eventually, the ongoing attempts to resolve concerns led to the issuance of Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-15 entitled “Marine Casualty Reporting Procedures with Associated Standard Interpretations.” At last, there was a document that was meaningful and within the goals of the QAP. Complaints and unintended sub- mission dropped dramatically. The CG Form 2692 was updated and improved for use starting in July 2017. In 2018, we received the final rule that raised reporting threshold to more appropriate amounts of $75,000 for Crossing the Casualty Investigation Improvement Finish Line