Seafarers’ Access to Maritime Facilities Public Meeting January 23, 2015, Washington D.C.
On Friday, January 23, 2015, the Coast Guard’s Office of Port and Facility Compliance presented an overview of proposed regulations and allowed the public to provide feedback. Vessels that arrive at MTSA regulated facilities are operated by seafarers who may have been at sea for days, weeks or months. Transiting through a MTSA facility is the only way to access the shore. Providers may only access a vessel moored at an MTSA regulated facility through that facility. The regulatory action needed to implement Section 811 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 requires MTSA regulated facilities to provide access in a timely manner. However, due to the complexity, size, the range and variety of facility types and the nature of operations this presents unique challenges. The Coast Guard proposed a rule that would require each facility owner or operator to provide access, without unreasonable delay, subject to review by the captain of the port.