Upcoming Change to ERTV Fee Structure – Streamlining Vessel Monitoring Costs

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2025
Contact: Patrick Gallagher
patrick@marexps 206-771-1620

Upcoming Change to ERTV Fee Structure –

Streamlining Vessel Monitoring Costs

Seattle, WA – To streamline operations and support a more balanced system, the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound will be consolidating its long-standing vessel monitoring fee into the existing Emergency Response Towing Vessel fee, which is required under Washington State law. This change will ensure every commercial vessel calling Puget Sound benefits from comprehensive monitoring and 24/7 shift-based support—further enhancing safety for all users of our ports. This update represents a joint effort between the Marine Exchange and the ERTV Compliance Group to improve transparency and administrative efficiency for all vessel operators calling Puget Sound.

WHAT’S CHANGING

Effective August 1, 2025, the Marine Exchange will no longer invoice individually for the vessel monitoring fee currently assessed on arriving vessels. Instead, those costs will be included in the mandatory ERTV invoice structure under RCW 88.46.130

WHY THIS MATTERS

For decades, the Marine Exchange has provided 24/7 watchstanding and real-time monitoring to support the safe movement of commercial vessels. Until now, this essential service has been funded voluntarily—supported by about 77% of arrivals.

By integrating these costs into the ERTV framework:

  • Operators will no longer receive a separate invoice for vessel monitoring.
  • Billing will be more streamlined and unified – aligning regulatory compliance with system-wide operational benefits.

WHAT’S STAYING THE SAME

  • The ERTV program, as mandated by Washington State, remains unchanged in scope and operation.
  • The Marine Exchange’s 24/7 AIS monitoring, coordination with the Coast Guard and Pilots, and support of port resilience will continue without interruption.
  • Members will retain full access to Marine Exchange arrival/departure tracking, alerts, and maritime domain tools.

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound recognizes that any change in cost structure raises important questions, and is committed to working closely with operators to ensure clarity, transparency, and value. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Marine Exchange if you have questions or would like to discuss the operational or financial details of this transition.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping ensure the safety and efficiency of our waterways.

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The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound Partners with Pinnacle Government Affairs to Advance Maritime Legislative Priorities

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2025
Contact: Patrick Gallagher
patrick@marexps 206-771-1620

Marine Exchange of Puget Sound Partners with Pinnacle
Government Affairs to Advance Maritime Legislative Priorities

Seattle, WA – The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound is proud to announce its partnership with Pinnacle Government Affairs, LLC, a premier government relations firm based in Olympia, WA. This contract underscores the Marine Exchange’s commitment to advancing the needs of its diverse membership by addressing critical legislative and policy priorities that impact the maritime industry and Puget Sound waterways.

With Pinnacle Government Affairs’ Principal, Trent Matson, bringing over 30 years of government affairs expertise, this partnership will focus on securing essential funding and support for key initiatives, including derelict gear removal, workforce development, and critical infrastructure projects. This work will also bolster the efforts of organizations such as the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee, ensuring that the region’s maritime operations remain safe, sustainable, and economically vital.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to represent the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound,” said Trent Matson, Principal of Pinnacle Government Affairs. “With an outstanding list of diverse members and an incredibly knowledgeable staff, the Marine Exchange is poised to make a positive impact in Olympia. The Marine Exchange has an important story to convey to policymakers, which will benefit the sustainability of our Puget Sound waterways and working-class families simultaneously. I am excited to help make this happen.”

The Marine Exchange will continue its longstanding participation in the Washington Maritime Federation, contributing to the collective legislative agenda. This new work with Pinnacle Government Affairs will allow the Marine Exchange to pursue specific initiatives in Olympia that directly address its members’ unique needs.

Patrick Gallagher, Director of the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“Advocating for the needs of our members is a responsibility we take seriously. Partnering with Pinnacle Government Affairs and leveraging Trent’s extensive expertise strengthens our ability to champion policies that align with our mission and complex member needs. Together, we’re committed to securing the resources and legislative support that will ensure the continued success of our maritime community.”

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About the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound: Founded in 1980, the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound operates around the clock, delivering real-time vessel tracking data and essential administrative services to its members. With a diverse membership, the Exchange is dedicated to fostering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations.

About Pinnacle Government Affairs, LLC: Pinnacle Government Affairs’ Principal, Trent Matson, brings 30 years of Government Affairs experience in Olympia. Trent has a stellar reputation having built meaningful relationships with Olympia’s decision makers and a long record of successful outcomes for his clients. During his tenure, Trent has successfully navigated, on behalf of his clients, on important issues critical to economic development, working class families, and environmental balance.

Marine Exchange of Puget Sound and Beam Reach Sign Memorandum of Agreement to Share Data for Maritime Safety and Conservation

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2024
Contact: Patrick Gallagher
patrick@marexps
206-771-1620

 

Marine Exchange of Puget Sound and Beam Reach Sign Memorandum of Agreement to Share Data for Maritime Safety and Conservation

 

Seattle, WA – The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound (MAREXPS) and Beam Reach have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize their collaboration on data-sharing projects through 2025. This partnership builds on an initial informal collaboration begun in late 2023 between the MAREXPS and phase one partners in the Acartia data cooperative, including Beam Reach, Orcasound, and Orca Network.

The MOA outlines a commitment to advancing shared missions within Puget Sound, focusing on projects that strengthen the maritime transportation community while supporting marine mammal conservation. By leveraging each other’s data resources, MAREXPS and Beam Reach aim to deliver innovative solutions for both short- and long-term challenges.

Key Objectives

Short-Term Projects:

  • Testing thermal cameras for marine mammal detection and refining algorithms for species classification.
  • Visualizing interactions between marine mammals and vessels, including real-world examples of safe vessel operations near whales.

Long-Term Projects (Through 2025):

  • Exploring Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to detect and track vessel noise and marine mammal sounds in collaboration with the University of Washington.
  • Developing tools to reduce underwater noise pollution and promote sustainable shipping practices.

Under the agreement, Beam Reach will continue to provide MAREXPS access to the Acartia data cooperative through its public API, while MAREXPS will continue to share select AIS data and thermal imagery with Beam Reach and its collaborators to support targeted projects.

Through this collaborative partnership, MAREXPS and Beam Reach are continuing to build on critical efforts in maritime safety and conservation, driving forward innovative ideas and solutions that will benefit Puget Sound and establish a strong foundation for future advancements.

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The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound with the U.S. Coast Guard Release Comprehensive Cetacean Guide for Mariners

July 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound with the U.S. Coast Guard Release Comprehensive Cetacean Guide for Mariners

 

SEATTLE, July 10, 2024 – The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound (MXPS), in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard, is pleased to announce the release of the “Puget Sound Cetacean Guide for Mariners.”

Endorsed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WSDFW), the guide provides essential information for mariners navigating the Puget Sound. It includes details on legal distance requirements, where to report sightings, protective measures to be aware of, and more.

The guide has compiled information and resources from critical organizations including the United States Coast Guard Cetacean Desk embedded within the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service,  the Whale Reporting Alert System/Whale Report App (WRAS) managed by Ocean Wise, Acartia.io data cooperative, NOAA, WSDFW, and the Port of Vancouver Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program.

“We hope that this guide can be a usable resource for those on the water encountering these animals and provide mariners the immediate information they need regarding the laws and conservation efforts in place for them.”, said Sara Zeman, a designer of the guide.

Physical copies of the guide will be available at maritime offices and events across the region. It can also be accessed digitally on the MXPS website (https://marexps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Puget-Sound-Cetacean-Guide-for-Mariners.pdf). For further information or to request copies, please contact the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound at info@marexps.com or 206-443-3830.

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The Marine Exchange of Puget Sound (MXPS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the maritime transportation system safer and stronger in the region. Since 1980, MXPS has served as a vital resource for the maritime community, providing services such as vessel tracking technology, real-time data solutions, communications services, and collaborative initiatives.