10 JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: OPERATIONS fronts, and an emergency during these conditions risks endangering the crew and rescue response personnel. When dangerous conditions are predicted, mariners should consider delaying getting underway, returning to port early, or altering the vessel’s route.” PVA Flagship: Safety First Every vessel company must make decisions based on the weather report. A GO or NO GO decision of whether or not to operate a par- ticular cruise or service can be based on a variety of factors including the weather predicted and its timing. These factors are should include the route, along with the size, design and characteristics of the vessel. Does your company have a weather policy that includes contingencies for bad weather? Chapter seven of the PVA Flagship safety management system is dedicated to vessel operating pro- cedures. Another important consider- ation is, who is making the decision whether to operate or not? Any final decision based should be made by the master of the vessel based on a number of variables, including the weather forecast and its expected impact on the area the vessel will be operating. Remember, the vessel master is the only one ultimately re- sponsible for the vessel, the crew, and the passengers. Chapter five of Flagship includes the Masters overrid- ing authority in all matters of safety. Working on the water means that, as mariners, we will always have to consider the weather on a regular basis. That is the nature of our business. Fortunately, with today’s technologically advanced tools and scientifically based forecasting methodologies, we can operate safely. n Cloud Based - Available off-line with Underway App Maintenance - Inventory - Documentation Intuitive User Interface Safety & Drill Integration Turnkey Setup Electronic Log Books SMS Integration Marine Maintenance System w w w . W h e e l H o u s e T e c h . c o m - 9 7 8 - 5 6 2 - 5 2 1 1 About the Author Jeff Whitaker is a PVA Past President and a member of the PVA Safety and Security Committee. ALLAMERICANMARINE.com Innovative Unique Proven