National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy on Friday applauded the House of Representatives for passing a Coast Guard reauthorization costs that consists of plans to boost the safety and security of aquatic vessels referred to as DUKW watercrafts and also holds the Coast Guard responsible to NTSB safety and security referrals.
DUKW watercrafts, additionally referred to as duck watercrafts, were developed and also constructed in the 1940s for army usage throughout World War II; some were later on transformed for business solution. They are special vessels with unique obstacles that have to be resolved to make sure traveler safety and security. They call for higher security and also get buoyancy, cover and also seat belt elimination prior to waterborne procedures and also training for teams.
The NTSB initially determined these safety and security problems in 1999 with the sinking of the Miss Majestic in Hot Springs, Arkansas– 21 lives were shed– and also advised rehabilitative activities. They were not acted upon and also once again the NTSB made referrals adhering to the 2018 sinking of the Stretch Duck 7 in Branson, Missouri– after an additional 17 lives were unnecessarily shed.
Homendy affirmed March 21 prior to the House Transportation and also Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and also Maritime Transportation on duck watercraft and also various other safety and security problems.
“This is the first meaningful action to improve safety on duck boats in 20 years,” Homendy stated. “I especially thank Reps. Peter A. DeFazio, Sam Graves, Salud O. Carbajal, Bob Gibbs, André Carson and Julia Brownley for championing these provisions and their efforts to improve maritime safety for all.”
Further, this regulation, if established, would certainly call for the Coast Guard to reply to NTSB safety and security referrals within 90 days, as is needed for companies within the Department of Transportation (USDOT). When the Coast Guard was moved from USDOT to the recently developed Department of Homeland Security in 2003, it was no more based on the needs. This is a vital preliminary action to make sure the Coast Guard acts upon safety and security referrals and also raises openness– guaranteeing that Congress, and also the general public, understand activity or inactiveness.
