[PSUBS-MAILIST] USCG update

[Jon Wallace via Personal_Submersibles]

Gentlemen,

The USCG has declined our invitation to attend the 2026 convention citing a restriction on attending conferences.  See the following quoted text which is the entirety of their response:

"Thank you for the invitation, however unfortunately we are no longer permitted
to attend conferences.  As we previously discussed we are not looking to add
additional regulations to recreational submersibles at this time.  If that
ever changes, we will make sure we reach out to PSubs for their involvement."

While I am disappointed the USCG will not be attending, this email and discussions I have had with USCG personnel in Washington HQ, do seem to suggest that there are no impending regulations that will impact us, or our organization, in the foreseeable future.  While that is great news it is even more incumbent upon us to ensure we continue to design, fabricate, and operate safely, and adhere to industry standards as set by ABS, ASME, and ourselves.  In this way, we will continue to maintain our reputation and preserve our rights to enjoy our hobby with minimal government interference.

In the meantime, I feel this was a missed opportunity by the USCG that risks reinforcing the perception that the private submersible community’s expertise and concerns are not being given due consideration.  For that reason, I am drafting a letter to the USCG Commandant respectfully expressing our disappointment and planting a seed for reconsideration in the future.

Jon