26 AUGUST 2018 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT failed to implement the directive in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 for a rulemaking mandating SMS for certain passenger vessels. Sections 7 and 8 address matters associated with vessel voyage data recorders (VDR), but make no changes to existing rules as to what vessels must carry VDRs.   Currently, PVA vessels in domestic service are not required to have VDRs. Following the 2003 allision of the Staten Island Ferry Andrew J. Barberi, Congress directed the Coast Guard to conduct an analysis of the possi- bility of requiring the installation of VDRs on certain large capacity ferry vessels.  The Coast Guard’s subse- quent 2008 report to Congress contains the following conclusion:  “Based upon the findings of this study, particularly the significant costs associated with the use of VDRs, the Coast Guard recom- mends against requiring the use of VDRs or SVDRs on ferries 100 gross tons and above, carrying more than 399 passengers between two points not more than 300 miles apart.” However, the National Transportation Safety Board continues to advocate for the placement of VDRs on all commercial passenger vessels (not just large ferries). H.R. 6175 tells the Coast Guard to advise Congress in two years about the costs and benefits that would be associ- ated with having VDRs capture bridge communications. Section 10 addresses “Training of Coast Guard Personnel.” The instruc- tion regime for prospective Coast Guard sector commanders is to be upgraded for those who do not already have a “prevention ashore” expertise. The Coast Guard is to improve the ability of its senior personnel to oversee the work of third party organi- zations (classification societies and or- ganizations conducting inspections for subchapter M towing vessels) to which certain safety functions have been delegated. The Coast Guard is also to evaluate what would be required to triple the size of its traveling marine inspector corps and to increase reliance on civilian marine inspectors and expe- rienced licensed mariners. It is directed to look at extending lengths of tours for its marine safety officers assigned to in- spection billets. PVA always supports efforts to enhance the Coast Guard’s marine safety function, especially its prevention activities. The Maritime Safety Act, packaged in the Save our Seas Act, has been returned to the U.S. Senate, where it could be acted upon in the next few weeks. It will be prudent for PVA to pay close attention as this bill moves through Congress. n • Reduced Fuel Consumption • Reduced Wake Wash • Optimized Trim Control • Increased Passenger Comfort and Safety • Active Ride Control Stabilization