What is the main purpose of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) of 1972?

The main purpose of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) of 1972 is to protect life, property, and structures in navigable waters. This act was established to enhance safety standards in U.S. waters, ensuring that navigable waterways are free from hazards and that maritime operations do not pose threats to people, vessels, and infrastructure.

The PWSA emphasizes the importance of safe navigation and seeks to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents that could lead to loss of life or damage to property. By implementing regulations and procedures, the act helps create a safer environment for maritime activities, which includes specifying guidelines for vessel operation and maintenance.

Other options, although relevant to the broader maritime domain, do not align with the primary focus of the PWSA. For instance, promoting fishing industry standards and enhancing maritime training programs are important but fall outside the scope of this legislation. Additionally, while regulating shipping tariffs might involve other aspects of maritime law, it is not a focus of the PWSA, which is primarily concerned with safety in navigable waters.