USCG Seeks Comment on Rules For Uninspected Passenger Vessels

The USCG seeks comment from the public on proposed regulations to implement the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 (PVSA). The PVSA, among other provisions, established a new class of uninspected passenger vessels that are at least 100 gross tons and carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), the USCG asked for comments on what type of operational and equipment requirements should be proposed for these uninspected vessels. The notice seeks information on the type of safety equipment this new class of uninspected passenger vessel carries, the construction standards it currently meets, and licensing and experience requirements for vessel owners, operators and charter brokers, among other issues. Comments received will be considered in developing proposed rules implementing the PVSA. · Other provisions of the PVSA that may be addressed in a proposed rule include: · New definitions that will clarify responsibility for the safety of charters, · Requirements for certain vessels that were exempted from the PVSA, and · Provisions for the issuance of special permits to all uninspected passenger vessels. Comments are due by June 30.