b'PERSPECTIVE :COAST GUARDCOAST GUARD INDUSTRY TRAINEECombating Illegal Charters from the InsideBY LCDR JEFFREY BENDER // U.S. COAST GUARDE ach year, the U.S. Coast Guard selectsvesseloperationsandthesafetyconcerns eligibleofficersforinternshipswithinthey inject into the maritime environment. the Marine Industry Training ProgramDuringmypartnershipwithPVAIhope toworkalongsideindustrypartnersinatolearnmoreaboutthechallengesand varietyofmaritimefi elds.Thisspecializedconcernstheseillegaloperationspresent, trainingprogramprovidesselectedofficers theopportunitytostudytheimpactsThe program ofpreventionpolicyandlearnhowto createmutually benefi cial solutions to Coastoff ers opportunitiesLCDR Je rey Bender, U.S. Coast GuardGuard and marine industry challenges. Thewithin the fi elds internshipsoff eredvaryindurationwithTofacilitatemyunderstandingandpen either a short term (4-6 months) or long-termof Port Safety andrecommendationstoprogrammanagers,I (one-year) assignment. The industry trainingwill be traveling to areas identifi ed by PVA participantsgainvaluableinsightintotheSecurity, Waterwaysmembers as having a substantial amount of decision-makingprocessesastheyrelatetoManagement, Marineillegal passenger operations so that I may speak regulatoryoversight,competitivepressures,directly to those impacted and seeking change. economicconditions,andoperationalEnvironmental challengesfromtheperspectiveofupper- Protection andWhile with PVA I would like to maintain an levelmanagement.Theprogramoff ersopen forum with all PVA members for any opportunities within the fi elds of Port SafetyInvestigationsquestions,concernsorcommentsthatthey and Security, Waterways Management, Marineindustry training. may have about illegal passenger operations Environmental Protection and Investigationsor any Coast Guard investigation topics.In industrytraining.Forcalendaryear2021,Iclosing,Iwouldliketoextendmyutmost am both humbled and excited to announcethe eff ects they have on PVA members, andgratitudetoPVAforhostingme.Ilook that I have been selected for the Investigationshow the Coast Guard might strengthen itsforward to meeting as many of you as I can. Industry Training (IIT) program and will beenforcementposture/regulatoryprocessPleasefeelfreetoemailmeatjbender@spending my six-month training period withconcerningoperationsmovingforward.passengervessel.com.the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA).A little about me: I am a 25-year active-dutyIs Your FleetmemberoftheCoastGuard,enlistinginRunning You Ragged?1996.I spent the fi 15 years of my careerrst asanelectronicstechnicianspecializinginTripLogger Can Help. communicationandnavigationequipmentEnable your operators to track essential data aboardtheCoastGuardsmediumfor your passenger vessel or entire fleet with endurancecutters.AfterattendingOfficerease. With TripLogger, your team can track Candidate School, I began a new career trackimportant passenger data along with captain asaPreventionOfficerconductingvesseland voyage details with a few simple taps. inspections with Marine Safety Unit Portland,Easily compile accurate daily trip reports for your fleet that are automatically uploaded and OR.Then in 2014, I transitioned into themanaged in a secure company dashboard. fi eld of investigations where I was responsible for conducting marine casualty, suspension &Is your fleet running you, or are you revocation,andenforcementinvestigations.running your fleet? IamjoiningPVAfollowingarecenttourTake control with gplinks TripLogger app for iPad.as the Senior Investigating Officer at Sector Maryland-National Capitol Region (NCR). TripL gger powered byCustom Apps for Passenger Vessel FleetsDuring my tour with Sector Maryland-NCR Igplink.com/tldeveloped a strong interest in illegal passenger+1 252.504.5113JUNE 2021 45 COAST GUARD'