Page 21: of Marine News Magazine (January 2019)

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COLUMN OP/ED

Advancing the Passenger Vessel Industry:

A Strategic Look Forward

By Gus Gaspardo

It is my honor to serve as PVA’s Pres- struction, and existing vessel upgrades and repairs. Passen- ident. My company, Padelford Packet ger vessel operators are also taking advantage of technologi-

Boat Co., Saint Paul, MN, has proudly, cal advancements. We are seeing exciting new technologies and actively, been a member of this or- related to navigation, propulsion and shipbuilding which ganization since its inception almost 50 will help set the stage for our industry’s future evolution. years ago when it was previously known According to numerous forecasts, the economic outlook as the National Association of Passen- for the year ahead is positive, and we anticipate this positive ger Vessel Operators (NAPVO). trend to continue for the passenger vessel industry, as well.

While PVA is rich in history, it by

Gaspardo

EGISLATIVE DVOCACY no means is stuck in old ways. PVA L A is always evolving to mirror the ever- As the voice of the industry, PVA regularly works with advancing world of passenger vessel operations. As the lawmakers on the issues that impact our members’ busi- voice of the passenger vessel industry, PVA is taking pro- nesses. I have spoken with Senators and Representatives on active measures to advance the industry by doubling down Capitol Hill at PVA’s Annual Congressional Fly-In several on our commitment to safety, working with Congress to times, and I continue interacting with them in my local- promote better business and operating environments and ity and state. Most recently, we were pleased to see our engaging regulators to prevent and improve inappropriate advocacy efforts pay off with the Congressional approval government regulation, just to name a few. and enactment of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act. This

The passenger vessel industry is enjoying a period of legislation made permanent the small vessel exemption growth. You can see this in ports all over the country. Op- from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Vessel Gen- erators are making capital investments in their