PVA Develops Security Standard for Passenger Vessels and Ferries

The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) this week officially submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard a comprehensive security standard for domestic passenger vessels and ferries. Entitled, “ the PVA Industry Standards for Security of Passenger Vessels and Small Passenger Vessels,” the document is the product of a PVA security task force composed of experts representing every type of passenger vessel operation nationwide. The task force developed standards specific to the passenger vessel industry in order to provide effective security measures, many of which are already in place. Using this document, a domestic passenger vessel operator will be able to assess vessel and shore side facility security needs and then develop and implement an effective security plan to protect passengers, vessels and facilities. This type of security standard is encouraged through the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime security regulation issued July 1, 2003. These regulations, in turn, implement the Maritime Transportation Security Act 2002. "PVA has been actively committed to assisting its members enhance security aboard vessels and at shore side facilities since 9/11," said PVA President Gary Frommelt, Hornblower Marine Services, New Albany, IN. "We believe that the passenger vessel industry--including ferries--are secure thanks to the procedures and training that we already have put into place. However, all vessels will be even more secure after the Coast Guard adopts--and industry is able to implement--the PVA Industry Standards for Security of Passenger Vessels and Small Passenger Vessels."