b'vancementsinalternativefuelsandothertechnologies,offshoreexcursions, which results in a corresponding increase in illegal char-windfarm oversight, and the management of space vehicle launchester operations. The Coast Guard leverages an increasing continuum and recovery. How is the Prevention program keeping pace to overseeof civil penalties to deter repeat offenses and the total amount of civil these expanding needs?penalties successfully levied for illegal passenger vessel operations has steadily increased every year since 2015. For persistent violators who A:The U.S. Coast Guard Strategy calls for the Service to Advance ourare not deterred by warnings and civil penalties, the local Coast Guard Mission Excellence to safeguard a rapidly changing Marine Transporta- field units are now issuing Captain of the Port (COTP) Orders to tion System characterized by growing capacity demands, new uses, andspecific vessels to prohibit commercial operations. The issuance of the emerging cyber threats. A key element of the strategy is to provide ourCOTP Orders enables the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) to workforce with the tools, training, and direction to meet the demandspursue criminal charges for continued violations. This action already of the maritime economy of the future. Service-wide investments in ourresulted in recent prosecutions for illegal passenger vessel COTP Or-workforce, infrastructure, and technology all contribute to the Preven- der violations at several port nationwide. tion mission. We are grateful to Congress and the Administration for investments to grow our Prevention workforce capacity and capabilityThe primary support PVA members can provide is to continue report-to respond to these future threats. To meet the challenges and harnessing suspected illegal passenger vessel operations to the Coast Guard via the opportunity of a prosperous and safe future maritime economy, wethe CGIS Tips App or email: CGISTIPS@uscg.mil. The consolidated will be bold, think differently, and innovate for results.reporting to CGIS via Tips, enables the Coast Guard to understand the scope of the problem, identify regional trends, and prioritize enforce-Q:Thanks for the efforts of U.S. Coast Guard units nationwide toment operations. Providing specific information such as dates, times, combat the scourge of uninspected vessels that illegally carry passen- vessel names, number of persons aboard the gers for hire. What challenges does the Coast Guard face in dealingvessel, specific location of the vessel (dock/with repeat offenders and how can PVA vessel members assist theslip #), and photos is highly encouraged and Coast Guard in this important task? will help facilitate timely enforcement efforts. A:The greatest challenge continues to be the proliferation of newAnother way to access or report through CG technology that increases the methods for chartering passenger vesselTips is through the QR code to the right.RELIABILITY HAS A NAME.ITS KOHLER. Since 1922, captains, mariners and seafarers all over the worldFor global support please have trusted KOHLER marinecontact John McKinnon at generators to power their770-601-6880 or boats. When it comes to marineJohn.McKinnon@kohler.compower you can count on, count on Kohler. 21 MARCH 2023'