Daniel J. Avoures and Associates, Inc. provides consulting services for all types of vessels. Our primary area of expertise is in the passenger vessel field where we have worked not only with the large cruise ship lines but with the small individual tour boat operator. We have been involved in the design and conversion of passenger vessels since 1974 and have developed a excellent working relationship with USCG inspectors and engineering staff. We perform liaison services in all types of regulatory compliance matters and stability issues. We utilize the GHS computer platform that the USCG Marine Safety Center uses thereby simplifying and expediting the stability review process.
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  In 2007 the USCG developed new stability requirements relative to pontoon boat safety. We have been in the forefront of assisting owner/operators in navigating these new requirements.
  Strict righting energy requirements have been imposed on these vessels and we have worked to find ways to make improvements to these boats so that they can continue to operate in a commercially viable way by maximizing the passengers permitted while at the same time complying with the regulations. We perform deadweight surveys on pontoon type vessels which eliminates the need for using water drums and moving weights.This minimizes downtime for the boat.
   We have probably performed more stability reviews on pontoon boats than any other naval architects in the country.
By December of 2011 all passenger vessels will be required to comply with the new passenger weight requirement of 185 lbs per passenger. Since 2006 we have employed that criteria  on all stability reviews we have performed. All vessel's not performing a new stability review will have their passenger count reduced. Some owners are going to find the stability of their vessels being questioned by the USCG and re-testing required. If you are not satisfied with your revised passenger count or have been asked to provide a new stability test showing compliance with updated criteria, give us a call. We can help.