b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORVolunteers Build PVA for Tomorrow AT THE HELMJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORT hereareawealthofPVAsafetymaterials,crewBeyond professional growth, volunteering with PVA offers trainingtools,andmanagementprogramsthatpersonal fulfillment. Working with your peers contributes members regularly use to help improve their busi- directly to the safety, sustainability, and success of the pas-ness operations and enhance the performance of employeessenger vessel industry. and crew. These valuable resources have steadily expanded in volume and variety over the years as PVA member de- I encourage you to get involved in PVA in some way, shape, mandsincreased.TheinterestingfactaboutthesePVAor form. There are many ways in which you can volunteer, member programs is that the majority of what is currentlyand we are here to help you find a volunteer opportunity available was created by PVA member volunteers. Over thethat fits your personality and skill sets. Please contact me years, dedicated PVA members volunteered their time toat jgroundwater@passengervessel.com or pvainfo@passen-develop these training tools and programs to address a vari- gervessel.com to express your interest in volunteering. ety of ever-evolving industry needs. ATTENDING PVA MEETINGS AND EVENTS VolunteeringnotonlyservestoproduceusefulmemberDELIVERS IMPRESSIVE BENEFITSproductssuchasthese,butitalsoadvancesawealthofIt is hard to put a finger on one single impression that a professional benefits and personal rewards for those whonew member has of PVA when they attend their first re-donate their time and effort to a project. One of the mostgion meeting or MariTrends convention. Whether they are significantprofessionalbenefitsisexpandednetworkinga vessel member or an associate member, their response is opportunities. Volunteers engage with a diverse communi- often that they are overwhelmed by the wealth of informa-ty of passenger vessel operators, suppliers, and even govern- tion, resources, and industry contacts that are available to ment regulators. They often build close personal and pro- them professionally. In most cases, they comment that they fessional relationships with the individuals with which theywere unaware that there was a place like PVA where they volunteer. These relationships are extremely valuable andcould interact with their passenger vessel industry peers connections often extend beyond the association, enrichingand learn, contribute, and participate in such an open and ones professional circle across the broader maritime sector. sharing environment.By contributing to a PVA committee for example, an in- FALL PVA REGION MEETINGS A SUCCESSdividual can offer their expertise and energy to any num- We have just turned the corner on fall having conducted berofimportantindustryissues.Thisinvolvementcanfour very successful PVA Region Meetings. PVA members position volunteers as thought leaders and trusted voices,gathered in Monterey, Calif., for the PVA Western Region openingdoorstospeakingengagements,advisoryroles,Meeting; in Buffalo, N.Y., for a combined Great Lakes and and recognition within the field. Original Colonies Region Meeting; and in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the PVA Rivers Region Meeting. Another key incentive is access to insider knowledge and trends. Volunteers are often the first to learn about regu- Each region meeting included programming that explored latorychanges,safetyinnovations,andmarketdevelop- timely topics covering firefighting reviews, marketing tips ments, for example. This access allows them to stay aheadand tactics, maritime insurance overviews, mariner licens-of the information curve, adapt quickly, and shape decisioning updates, U.S. Coast Guard inspection appeals, general making within their company.operations roundtable discussions, and much more.Continued on page 667 NOVEMBER 2025'