b'tries,butimplementationhasbeenAt a time when the maritime indus- butonlyiftheyaretested,reliable, blocked because no U.S. laboratoriestryisscramblingtofillvacancies,andaccessible.Andwecontinueto have been certified to process the newfederalagenciesshouldbeworkingpressforfairtreatmentofpassenger testingmethod.Theholdupstemstogethertoreduceunnecessaryvessels in federal funding and regula-from a Food and Drug Administrationbarriers to entry for mariners whiletory frameworks.(FDA) requirement treating workplaceembracing innovations that will pro-drug testing systems as medical devic- mote vessel safety. Asalways,yourengagementisvital. esamisclassificationthatpreventsThe most persuasive voices in Washing-labs from gaining approval. LOOKING AHEAD ton are those of operators explaining CoastGuardAuthorization,federalreal-worldimpactswhetheritsthe Thismattersforsafetyandpracti- spending,andregulatoryreformsallimportance of a buoy near your harbor cality. Oral fluid testing can providehave real implications for passenger ves- entrance or the challenges of recruiting amoreaccurateinthemoment sel operators but are just a sample of themariners under outdated testing rules.measureofimpairmentthantradi- myriad issues that PVA members face. tional urinalysis; it eliminates privacyThe months ahead will be busy, but issues associated with restroom collec- PVAsadvocacypromotessafety,theyalsopresentopportunity.PVA tions and makes cheating significantlypracticality, and fairness. We supportwill keep you informed, advocate on harder.Collectionscanbeobservedmodernization when it improves safe- your behalf, and work to ensure fed-directly,performedanywhereon- ty without imposing impractical bur- eralpolicysupportsasafe,thriving board, dockside, or in the fieldanddens. We welcome new technologies,U.S.-flag passenger vessel industry.are less burdensome for operators and mariners alike.Mariners in safety-sensitive positions should be tested for impairment, not past usethe same standard that isTour Operators. Weve got your back.appliedtoalcohol.Urinalysis,the long-standingmethod,candetectBoard Faster.cannabisweeksafterusebutdoes notnecessarilymeasurewhether someone is currently impaired whileSell More.on duty. By contrast, oral fluid test-ing works much like breath alcohol testing, providing a secure, observed,Stress Less.andaccuratein-the-momentmea-sure of impairment that strengthens safetyoversightwithoutpenalizing off-duty exposure. RocketRezs leading all-in-one software keeps your boat tours moving with lightning-fast check-in, even for hundreds of guests. InarecentlettertoHHSSecretaryManage online sales, OTAs, walk-ups, and kiosks from one system. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., PVA PresidentUpsell and boost revenue every trip with dynamic pricing and add-SteveJonesbroughttogetherleadersons, while staying in control with real-time reporting.ofotherU.S.flagcommercial vessel operators to urge the Department to Find out what smooth resolvethisbarriersothatoperatorssailing looks like with our have the flexibility to choose the test- modern ticketing platform.ing method that best suits their needs.41 SEPTEMBER 2025'