OMSA hires Jones Act compliance manager

OMSA hires Jones Act compliance manager The Offshore Marine Service Association has appointed Joe Kavanaugh to manager of Jones Act compliance, a newly created position with the association to ensure compliance with the laws requiring that vessels involved in domestic transportation be owned, crewed and built by Americans.
   “While a number of associations have launched similar initiatives to enforce copyright and product piracy laws, this is the first time that we are aware of a maritime group taking this step to ensure enforcement of the Jones Act, still a critically important maritime law,” said OMSA President Ken Wells, in a statement.
   “Creating this position sends a strong signal that our country will not allow new offshore energy exploration jobs to go to foreign entities illegally,” he added.
   Kavanaugh joins OMSA after many years of enforcing Coast Guard and Customs regulations. He was actively involved in investigating smuggling, immigration and drug cases, as well as maritime law violations.
   OMSA has more than 250 member companies, including 100 firms that own and operate marine service vessels for offshore activities.