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18 MN January 2011 PASSENGER VESSELS One thing we can look forward to in the new year and beyond is the imple- mentation and development of more regulations. Through a series of unfor- tunate events, the marine industry seems to have become a prime target for scrutiny, which may or may not be warranted. The onus of compliance established its momentum with the potential threat of ter- rorists on the waterways; thus, we received the require- ment for T.W.I.C. cards that somehow create a shield of security. In addition to new security measures, we have lately seen stronger environmental regulations for emis- sions and vessel discharge. New regulations have just become effective covering operational procedures for accessibility. In 2011, you can expect some call for new safety regulations due to the tragic accidents of the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf and the colli- sion involving a duck boat and barge on the Delaware River. Boat builders closely monitor which policies and proce- dures are suggested and enacted, as it affects how opera- tors use their craft and in many ways how each vessel is built and designed. With the sting of the recent drilling moratorium still being felt and the reality of a slowly recovering economy still present, how feasible will it be for Passenger Vessel Compliance: Will Grandfathering be Enough? By Joe Hudspeth Flush mounted watertight hatches and deck drains promote accessibility and can be submitted to the Coast Guard as an alternative to six-inch door coamings. Photo courtesy All American Marine
