b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORThe Passenger Vessel IndustryAT THE HELMMaking a ComebackJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORD espite coping with ongoing employee recruiting and reten- members. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact tion challenges that are plaguing nearly every business in ourLeslie Kagarise at lkagarise@passengervessel.com or 301-848-1595.country, PVA members are reportingsurprisinglygoodsum- PVA ALTERNATIVE SECURITY mer seasons. Being creative and re- Over the years, PVA hasPROGRAM (ASP) 5THsilient,PVAmembershavealwaysREVISION IS NOW AVAILABLEfoundwaystosuccessfullycopesaved its members millionsThe 5th revision of the PVA Alter-withseasonalandeconomicchal- nateSecurityProgram(ASP)was lenges. COVID-19 lockdowns andof dollars by assistingapproved by the Coast Guard earlier lingeringconditionspresentedthethis month. As a result, an email was most recent problems for passengerthem in solving complexsenttoallPVAmembersusingthe vessel operators and the travel indus- ASP with links to the new ASP, and try at large. As a result, PVA mem- U.S. Coast Guard issues,to related supporting documents and bers took stock of their operationsdeveloping programsassessment tools. This latest revision and made changes that in many cas- (which is updated and renewed every es were helpful going forward andand products to improvefive years) is the culmination of a great maybelonglasting.Doingmoredeal of work by PVA members and with less became a normal day-to- operations, and combatingstaff. Each revision is negotiated with daypracticeandhelpedgeneratethe Coast Guard to ensure that any needed savings and efficiencies. costly and uncoordinatedCoast Guard requested additions to the program are reasonable and can be Fortunately,PVAmembersweregovernment regulation.easily and efficiently implemented by wellpositionedtorespondtoanPVA member users. The PVA ASP is increasingdemandforexperiencesan exclusive benefit to PVA members that revolved around travel and getting out on our nations beautifulin complying with the security requirements of the Maritime Trans-waterways. While travel industry experts have predicted that recoveryportation Security Act of 2002 for vessels and facilities. for the travel industry nationwide will be uneven, we are optimistic about the economic future of the passenger vessel industry based on itsThe newly updated ASP includes:strong performance in 2022.Cybersecurity Guidelines and Updated Vessel, Dock,PVA SUMMER DUES PROGRAM and Cyber Assessment ToolsYou may already have received a 2023 PVA membership dues invoice Seafarer Access Requirementsunder the PVA Summer Billing Program. The PVA Board of Direc-Transportation Worker Identification Credential tors developed this program for the added convenience of paying dues(TWIC) Reader Updateswhen your business is most active. Please note that the PVA Board has Changes to Clarify the Use of the ASP by Regulated Facilities approved a 3% increase in vessel member dues for 2023. In addition, the user fee per vessel for the PVA Alternate Security Program (ASP)For questions about the PVA ASP, please contact Eric Christensen at will also increase by 3% for 2023. This is necessary for PVA to contin- echristensen@passengervessel.comor 703-853-0003.ue to provide the ever-growing array of member services and programs that the PVA members have come to expect and rely on. REPRESENTING YOUR INTERESTS ON CAPITOL HILLDuring this months PVA Board of Directors meeting, Ed Welch pre-Over the years, PVA has saved its members millions of dollars by as- sented a legislative resolution to the board that was subsequently ap-sisting them in solving complex U.S. Coast Guard issues, developingproved. The resolution lends PVAs support to a soon-to-be introduced programs and products to improve operations, and combating costlybill that would expand funding for ferry operations. To be introduced and uncoordinated government regulation. In addition, PVAs staff ex- by Congressman John Garamendi (Calif.), the bill would provide sig-perts support PVA members with their interactions with Coast Guardnificant increases in funding for grants administered by the Federal inspectors and others, providing direct advice and even interveningHighway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. In when necessary. addition, the bill would make clear that privately-owned ferries can take advantage of tax benefits made available under the Capital Construc-Your continuing support of PVA is appreciated and allows us to pro- tion Fund. Among other things the bill would establish a federal cost-vide an ever-growing array of programs and services that benefit allshare for replacing or retrofitting diesel fuel ferries to lower emissions. Continued on page 407 AUGUST 2022'