JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater of illegal charters is one that is of particular interest to operators and Coast Guard alike. Through these events, we are learning that numerous ports in United States are expe- riencing an increase in illegal charters. Boat sharing websites that advertise quick cash are proliferating, and as a result, these sites help promote this illegal practice. PVA is urging the Coast Guard to expand their enforcement activities. While PVA encourages all to enjoy our nation’s waterways, we stress the need to do it legally and safely. PVA 2020 Convention Call for Presentations—We Want Your Expertise! As we begin our planning for the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2020—February 3-6, 2020—in Tampa, FL, I hope that you will contribute to the success of this event by submitting a proposal to make a pre- sentation during the convention. PVA members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is extremely valuable to convention attendees. The give-and-take of discussions during these sessions allows for in-depth dis- cussions and idea sharing which benefits all. By now you should have received an email an- nouncing the “Call for Presentations” for MariTrends 2020. If you are a PVA Vessel member, a PVA Associate member or a government representative, we would like you to become involved in the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2020 as a presenter to pass along your knowledge and experience to all those in attendance. We are looking for your suggestions for topics that will provide “how-to” information. Also, interactive sessions are encouraged as they allow individuals to ask questions and engage in two-way communication. If you would like to participate as a convention speaker, please submit your suggested topic via the Call for Presentations email or contact me at jgroundwater@ passengervessel.com. In the meantime, please let me know if we can ever be of assistance to you. Sincerely, John R. Groundwater Executive Director n Tools Exclusively for PVA Members As many PVA members are gearing up for their seasons, I thought I would send a helpful reminder that PVA members can access a host of PVA products and programs designed specifically to assist in enhancing safety training programs and other important company operational issues. These tools can be accessed via the PVA web site, under “Member Resources.” Here are just a few of the PVA members-only products that you can access: Online Learning Management System Portal This exciting and effective online training tool allows you to access a variety of crew training materials electronical- ly. It also features an online testing component. Revised Deckhand Training Manual Senior Deckhand Training Manual Slips, Trips, and Falls White Paper DVDs on the following topics: • Firefighting • Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls • Personal Safety for the Crew Member • Line Handling • Introduction to Life Saving Equipment Rail Jumper Safety Guidance PVA Risk Guide Marine Employers Drug Testing Guidance PVA Green WATERS Program Feel free to contact any of the PVA staff members to discuss these resources with you. Coast Guard Industry Days PVA staff will participate in approximately 15 Coast Guard Industry Day meetings across the country during 2019. These meetings are hosted by local Coast Guard and involve a variety of maritime players and operators, as well as passenger vessel operators. The programs cover timely topics of interest to operators and others in the maritime industry. At the invitation of the Coast Guard, PVA is delivering presentations about issues facing passenger vessel operators. These meetings present excellent opportunities for PVA staff to have meaningful discussions with industry players, answer questions, and build relationships with key Coast Guard personnel. One of the issues that PVA staff has highlighted in each Coast Guard Industry Day event is the growing problem of illegal charters. We are finding that the topic