b"be to see how our comments were or were notmusts.ManypassengervesseloperatorsareNATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES addressed in the proposed draft regulations. seasonal and regulatory/business schedulingSERVICE (NMFS) / NATIONALis difficult. A relatively few months of oper- OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERICSome of our most ardent comments regardedation must provide the wherewithal to sus- ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)adoptionofPVA'sFLAGSHIPproductastain the operator/operation over the full year.PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TOan equivalent alternative to whatever SMS isReview the PVA docket comment here.THE NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT developed from the comments and legislativeWHALE STRIKE REDUCTION RULEdirection. Another priority is any third-partyENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONNOAA-NMFS-2022-0022or external audit for FLAGSHIP vessels mustAGENCY (EPA) ANPRM ON DRAFTThisnoticeaddressesaproposaltodra-be performed by the Coast Guard. The CoastGUIDANCE FOR VESSEL SEWERAGEmatically expand of the provisions of the GuardhasbeenourindustryregulatorforNO-DISCHARGE ZONESexistingrule.Insubmittedcomments, over seventy years and has both the expertiseDocket EPA-HQ-OW-2020-0392 PVAdiscussesthesuccessofthecurrent and the standing to be the appropriate FLAG- The EPA draft has several areas of concern torule and then discusses the substantial ad-SHIP non-company auditor. Since there arePVA. The current EPA guidance does not so- verse impacts of the proposal on all users of many member companies that have little sho- licit public comments until after the agency hasthe expanded waters and vessels. PVA also resideinfrastructureand/orfewemployees,made an initial affirmative decision on a statespoints out the failure to adequately address wesawthecurrentStreamlinedInspectionrequest for a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ). PVAtherequirementsforthisself-described Program (SIP) as an appropriate alternativebelieves that public awareness and input beforemajorfederalactionsubjecttoNEPA to a SMS/FLAGSHIP. While SIP is not wide- such a decision is necessary to ensure EPA has(the National Environmental Policy Act). spread, the industry has many operators whothe best factual information prior to making aPVAs 12-page comment is a must read for adopted and have maintained the SIP programdetermination on the proposed NDZ. SeveralEast Coast littoral operators and a should with excellent results.items of requested information from the appli- read for all operators subject to regulatory cant state on the application are designated op- actions. PVA recommendations are summa-Inanyreviewofproposedregulation,costtional but should be required. Review the PVArized on page 11. Review the PVA docket and implementation timelines are importantdocket comment here. comment here.PRECISE 360 PROPULSION EXCEED GLOBAL EMISSIONS STANDARDS PLUS FULL AUXILIARY POWEROperate a lightweight vessel equipped with hybrid or electric engines. Reduce your operating and maintenance costs. Minimize your environmental impact. BUILD A CARBON FIBER FERRYTwin Disc Marine Control Drives (MCDs) allow variable propellerMARINE speedfrom full engine output to slower than engine idlewhileCONTROL splitting main engine power to drive FiFi pumps or other auxiliaryDRIVEequipment. The MCD-2000/4000/5000 series covers extended diesel power requirements from 1680 kW (2280 HP) to 5250 kW (7130 HP)with heat dissipation capabilities up to 450 kW (610 HP).And our Veth Z-drives provide 360 thrust for optimal vessel maneuverability and positioning.If you want the ultimate in slow-speed maneuverability, highly accurate positioning and simultaneous, full-firefighting capability, specify Twin Disc and Veth Propulsion on your next tug build.VETHFor expert engineering assistance to assure your optimal product specifications Z-DRIVEand performance, contact Klaus@TwinDisc.com.Learn about Americas only carbon T- and K-Class ferry builder:www.ARCADIA-ALLIANCE.com23 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023"