30 JULY 2019 • FOGHORN HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU Foghorn Ad 1 | 1/4p | 3.375” x 4.875” www.propspeed.com PROPSPEED® is effective on: Propellers | Rudders | Shafts | Struts | Trim tabs | IPS drives | Thrusters Keel coolers | Underwater lights (clear coat) | Any underwater metal surface PROPSPEED® can be used on boats of all types & sizes Both recreational and commercial, from sport-fishers, cruisers, sailboats and superyachts to work boats like ferries, trawlers, tugboats, research ships and patrol boats. Save on your boat’s running costs Having clean props and running gear lowers maintenance costs, reduces corrosion and decreases fuel burn. 2570 Beverly Dr. #128, Aurora, IL 60502 T 630.236.3500 CENTA Power trAnsmIssIon LeADIng By InnovAtIon • USA based production • Over 20 unique designs • Over 16 million sold • Torsional vibration experts Trust CENTA – The Global Innovator Since 1970 CENTALINK Carbon Fiber Driveshafts Innovative flexible couplings for marine applications • Re-evaluating certain categories that have additional requirements including “Medium Cruise Ships.” • Clarifying Seasonal Operating Vessel Compliance for when the vessel is not in use. Current Requirements – The Vessel General Permit While the regulations from this new law are being written, operators must continue to comply with the current requirements for incidental vessel discharges as authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Vessel General Permit (VGP). The VGP applies to commercial vessels, which operate in waters of the U.S., and are greater than 79 feet in length (as documented by their Coast Guard issued Certificate of Documentation). The VGP also applies to ballast water discharges from com- mercial vessels of any of length. Small vessels, less than 79 feet, are permanently exempt from the VGP re- quirements. Thanks to PVA’s advocacy efforts, Congress passed the new law in December of 2018, continuing the longstanding exemption and making it permanent for the small vessel community. As you know, the VGP contains best management practices, inspection and recordkeeping requirements and contains extra conditions applied by certain states. Operators will still need to comply with these rules, including providing documentation and the online submission of the Annual Report. Therefore, until further notice continue to use the 2013 VGP and the associated forms. PVA developed a guidance tool for members to assist with VGP compliance, and this manual can be accessed online from the member’s- only resource page of the PVA website www.passengervessel.com/member- resources.html. New Regulations from the Vessel Incidental Discharges Act Per the new law, the EPA has been tasked with writing regulations that would set national standards for in- cidental discharges, and EPA must Small vessels, less than 79 feet, are permanently exempt from the VGP requirements. Thanks to PVA’s advocacy efforts, Congress passed a law in December of 2018, continuing the longstanding exemption and making it permanent for the small vessel community.