For those in the maritime industry; Once again what is the definition a certain vessel? It is mentioned on the Governors web site without a definition and not mentioned anywhere in the law trying to be passed. The Governor also says alternative compliance, why not just say BVI Inspection to avoid confusion? This law should have said ‘vessels greater than 12 meters in length and no more than 24 meters in length.’ If passed as written this will affect every charter boat in the U.S. Virgin Islands as there is no minimum size and will direct the U.S. Coast Guard to recognize a foreign countries regulations on U.S. Flagged vessels in U.S. Waters. Are we now outsourcing our own safety regulations? How many of your tax dollars were spent on the Washington Lobbyist hired by the Governor that is pushing this bill forward? (From the Governors Website) If passed, the amendment in House Bill No. 4005 would provide alternative compliance for U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations for certain U.S. vessels which are now restricted to six passengers while operating in the waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, whereas foreign vessels do not have the same restrictions. This law was proposed by the governors own V.I. Marine Economic Development Council that consists of representatives from the V.I. Port Authority, The West Indian Company, Ltd., the Department of Tourism, Economic Development Authority, Workforce Investment Board, the University of the Virgin Islands and the Governor’s Office. Additionally, representatives in the private sector of Paige Passano manager at Budget Marine on St. Thomas, marine support business owner Larry Angus, game fishing boat business owner Red Bailey, V.I. Game Fishing Club stalwart Sue Boland, marine business owner Jeanne Brennan, former St. Thomas Yacht Club Commodore William Canfield, Gold Coast Yachts owner Richard Difede, marine tour operator Paul Doumeng, captain’s school owner John Holmberg, V.I. Charteryacht League Director Kelly Kiernan, St. Thomas commercial Fishermen’s Association President Julian Magras, marine manufacturing owner Evelyn Nye, Green Cay Marina operator Martin Oliver, Dive Experience owner Michelle Pugh, St. Croix Yacht Club member Julie San Martin, St. Croix commercial Fishermen’s Association President Edward Schuster, marine tour business owner Miles Sperber, dive business owner Andre Webber, and marine support business manager Leonard Weekes. There are currently no members from St John SEC. 312. UNINSPECTED PASSENGER VESSELS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. (a) In General.--Section 4105 of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b) In applying this title with respect to an uninspected vessel of less than 24 meters overall in length that carries passengers to or from a port in the United States Virgin Islands, the Secretary shall substitute `12 passengers for `6 passengers each place it appears in section 2101(42) if the Secretary determines that the vessel complies with-- ``(1) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Motor Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Yellow Code), as published by the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency and in effect on January 1, 2014; or ``(2) the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Sailing Vessels (commonly referred to as the `Blue Code), as published by such agency and in effect on such date.. (b) Technical Correction.--Section 4105(c) of title 46, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a)(1) of this section, is amended by striking ``Within twenty-four months of the date of enactment of this subsection, the and inserting ``The.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Apr 2014 16:17:52 +0000
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