b'GAO REVIEW REQUESTEDRecommend options for CongressPVA is pleased to report that GAOLEGISLATIVE In September 2025, the chairman andandfederalagenciestostrengthenhasofficiallyacceptedthecommit-rankingmemberoftheHouseT&Ioversight,improvepubliceduca- tees request and will move forward Committeeformallyrequestedthattion, and reduce illegal activity withthestudy.GAOsinvolvement GAO conduct an in-depth review of il- isasignificantdevelopment.Asan legal passenger vessel operations. TheirThecommitteesrequestreflectsindependentinvestigativeagency, bipartisan request asked GAO to: growingrecognitionthattheGAOprovidesCongresswithun-CoastGuard,whilecommittedbiasedassessmentsthatfrequently Define the scope and scale of illegaltoaddressingtheissue,mayfaceshapefuturelegislation,regulatory passenger-for-hire activity across thestatutoryandresourcelimitationsreforms, and funding priorities.United States thatimpedeswiftandconsistent enforcement. Illegal operations areA rigorous GAO analysis will help an-Evaluate the Coast Guards currentoftenintermittent,mobile,andswer key questions: How widespread enforcement and investigative tools digitallyadvertised,makingthemis the problem? What types of illegal difficulttodetectanddocument.operations are most prevalent? Where AssesswhetherexistingpenaltiesMoreover,theCoastGuardmustareenforcementtoolsstrong,and provide adequate deterrence balance enforcement with its manywhere are they insufficient? How do othermissions,includingsearchillegalchartersmarkettheirservices, Identify barriers to data collection,and rescue, port security, and envi- and which platforms facilitate or dis-coordination, and follow-up ronmental protection. couragecompliance?Whatresources or statutory authorities would help the Coast Guard respond more effectively?WHAT COMES NEXTPVAwillactivelyengagewithGAO throughout the study period, working to ensure that investigators hear directly fromlegitimateoperatorsandunder-stand the practical realities of the pas-senger vessel industry. PVA will work to give our members a voice and an oppor-tunity to share experiences, data, and insights that can help GAO produce a thorough and accurate report.Illegalchartersunderminesafety, distort fair competition, and threat-en public confidence in the U.S.-flag passengervesselindustry.GAOs study represents a major step toward addressing these challenges in a com-prehensiveway.PVAwillcontinue toleadindustryeffortstopromote safety, support responsible operators, andensurethatfederaloversight evolves to meet the realities of todays maritime environment.FOGHORN 50'