b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVAs Ongoing Colleen emphasized PVAs longstand-Commitment to Safety ing commitment to promoting safety and underscored its ongoing efforts to develop The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) hasnew and innovative training tools for PVA deep roots in safety. In fact, the associationmembers. She said, PVA and the industry was formed around a need to identify reliablethat we represent have a responsibility to be sources of marine insurance and to expandever vigilant in addressing safety concerns its work with the Coast Guard on regulatoryby developing and offering effective training matters and vessel inspection issues.John Groundwater programs and tools that vessel operators can In those early days, PVA (then the Nationaleasily implement. We believe strongly that this Association of Passenger Vessel Owners) wasis a primary mission of our association.made up of a relatively small group of individuals whoIn her testimony, Colleen also discussed the asso-operated primarily on the U.S. Inland River System. Theseciations ongoing work with the Coast Guard and the operators were industry pioneers, who in many cases,National Transportation Safety Board. She indicated that fashioned their businesses to reflect the romance associ- maintaining and expanding relationships with both gov-ated with our countrys rich riverboat history. While theyernment entities helps to continuously raise the bar on built their businesses, they also recognized the need tosafety. Colleen pointed to the U.S.-flagged passenger vessel expand training to protect passengers and crew. As theindustrys 50-plus year relationship with the Coast Guard association grew, its members became more diverse andand strongly encouraged lawmakers to continue funding PVA started attracting other types of vessel as members.the agencys marine inspection program, as it is the corner-Ferry vessels, sightseeing and excursion vessels andstone of marine safety.whale watch tour boats joined PVA to network, accessColleen briefed lawmakers on the growing threat to safety training tools and to participate in the associationspublic safety by the explosion of illegal charter operators expanding advocacy work.nationwide. She reported that these operators are Recognizing the need to advance PVAs risk man- promoting themselves via the internet and at the same agement work, PVA leaders established the PVAtime praised the Coast Guard for increasing its enforce-Safety Committee (the precursor of todays PVA Safety,ment efforts in several major U.S. ports. But she stressed Security and Risk Management Committee). Under thethat the job is not complete, and even more attention must Chairmanship of Roger Murphy, Blue and Gold Fleet, Sanbe focused on this troubling situation to ensure that public Francisco, CA, the committee released an array of newsafety is preserved, and the reputations of legitimate training tools, manuals and guidelines for PVA memberspassenger vessel operators are protected. to use in company training programs. Deckhand and Senior Deckhand training manuals were first out of theMariTrends 2020gate, followed by a PVA/Coast Guard Risk Guide, Rail JumperExhibit booths went on sale early this month for the Guidance and Crew Drug Testing tools. The committeePVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2020February developed video training tools on firefighting, line3-6, 2020 in Tampa, FL. Using new software that displays handling and other important topics. Most recently, thethe MariTrends 2020 exhibit floor electronically, PVA committee developed a white paper focusing on prevent- Associate Members were able to choose and reserve booth ing slips, trips and falls aboard passenger vessels andspace in one transaction. We hope that this will be an im-also launched an online crew training program to help PVAprovement for our members. If you havent purchased members take their safety and risk management programsyour MariTrends exhibit booth, I encourage you to do so and training to the next level in terms of sophistication andimmediately to ensure that you are a part of this exciting effectiveness. PVA convention in Tampa. I look forward to seeing you there.Marine Safety and CongressIn the meantime, please let me know whenever we can This month, PVA took its message of safety tobe of assistance to you.Capitol Hill during a hearing conducted by the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and MaritimeSincerely,Transportation. The Subcommittee invited PVA to par-ticipate as a witness on maritime safety along with others from both government and industry. PVA Vice President Colleen Stephens, Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, Valdez, AK was PVAs representativeJohn R. Groundwaterand witness.Executive Director nNOVEMBER 2019FOGHORN 5'