USCG Releases Interim Report on Alaska Small Passenger Vessel Safety

The Alaska Small Passenger Vessel Task Force (ASPV) has issued an interim report concerning safety issues for small passenger vessels operating in remote Alaskan areas. Seventeenth USCG District Commander, Rear Adm. Thomas J. Barrett, chartered the ASPV in July as a result of recent accidents involving small cruise vessels. Adm. Barrett also asked the ASPV to find ways to minimize the risk of future incidents and improve response to accidents. Annually, more than 200,000 passengers travel aboard small passenger vessels in Alaska. This summer, four of these vessels grounded or struck objects in remote Alaskan waterways. Two of the incidents required significant response from the USCG and the State of Alaska. Together, the ASPV, Passenger Vessel Association and local industry representatives identified six areas in need of improvement to reduce the potential for accidents by small passenger vessels in Alaskan waters: Waterway Surveys, Lessons Learned. Standards of Care. Situational Awareness, Charts, Communications