PVA Safety Programs in Full Swing

The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) has historically provided a broad range of benefits and services to its members. This list of important member services has grown dramatically over the years and is a direct reflection of the ever-changing needs of an evolving passenger vessel industry. Whether legislative, regulatory, safety, security, or legal issues, PVA staff and volunteers are consistently focused on providing timely advice and assistance for all PVA members.

PVA’s safety and training programs in particular are being dramatically expanded this year. The goal of this expansion is to ensure that our members continue to have access to PVA training tools and safety-related programs that are useful and timely. As you may already know, PVA has consistently provided safety and risk management guidance for more than 50 years. These resources have been widely used, highly successful, and have been central to elevating safe operations across the entire passenger vessel industry.

The scope of PVA’s training programs and tools is comprehensive. Critical safety topics such as risk assessment, deckhand training, emergency preparedness, firefighting, Hazmat training, drug testing, vessel security planning, cyber security training, active shooter response, and rail jumper guidance are just a few of the topic areas currently available to PVA members.

Those who use the association’s safety and risk management training programs can expect to improve operational reliability and reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. All experienced owners and mariners know that well-trained crews are better prepared to make informed decisions during routine operations as well as unexpected emergencies.

PVA’s safety and risk management training tools and programs have unquestionably contributed to safer waterways and a more resilient passenger vessel industry overall. I encourage you to review all the PVA training tools available to you by visiting the Member Resources section of the PVA website: passengervessel.com.

New PVA Safety Videos in the Works

Safety videos have long been a key part of PVA’s safety and risk management offerings. Recognizing this, a working group of members from the PVA Safety and Security Committee are currently working to update and produce 17 new videos to assist PVA members in their safety training programs. PVA member Moxie Media will visit at least three U.S. cities to shoot new video aboard member vessels. The goal is to ensure that the new instructional videos accurately represent a diversity of passenger vessels. We are enthusiastic about this project and expect the new videos to be widely used by PVA members.

Pva Safety Awards

The Roger Murphy National Marine Safety Award and the Captain Elizabeth Gedney Passenger Vessel Safety Award are two prestigious annual PVA safety awards. Sponsored by the PVA Safety and Security Committee and the Passenger Vessel Foundation the awards recognize excellence in safe operations, crew training, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk management. These awards highlight PVA members that meet the highest standards of passenger and crew safety. I encourage you to consider nominating your company or a member of your crew for one these awards if appropriate. The deadline for nominations is November 30.

Submit a Nomination

Pva Flagship Safety Management System

The Passenger Vessel Association’s Flagship Safety Management System is also available to PVA members to help strengthen internal safety and risk management programs. The Flagship SMS, which was developed by PVA members, provides a structured approach to improve safety, operational consistency, and regulatory compliance for passenger vessel operators.

Participation in the Flagship SMS promotes continuous improvement through internal audits, management reviews, and ongoing evaluation of safety performance. These processes help identify potential hazards before they become incidents, reducing operational risks and enhancing passenger and crew safety. The program aligns with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, recognized industry best practices, helping operators demonstrate their commitment to safety and responsible vessel management.

In addition to improving safety, the program can increase operational efficiency by standardizing documentation, maintenance procedures, and risk management practices. Importantly, the Flagship SMS will help with Coast Guard inspections and safeguards compliance with applicable regulations.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of the Flagship SMS, contact PVA Senior Regulatory and Programs Advisor Lee Boone at lboone@passengervessel.com.

Pva Region Meetings

Registration is now open for the PVA Great Lakes and Western Region Meetings and dates are set for the PVA Original Colonies and Rivers Region Meetings. If you are considering attending, now is the time to register and make hotel reservations. When you attend, you can expect compelling programming offering tips, tactics, and information from industry and government experts. You will also have an opportunity to interact with peers and colleagues as well as develop important new industry contacts.

Tampa And The Pva Annual Convention At Maritrends 2027

It is never too early to begin making plans to attend MariTrends 2027. As you can imagine, we are particularly enthusiastic about holding the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2027, Jan. 21-24, 2027, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.

Located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is one of the state’s most exciting travel destinations. In recent years, it has gone through an impressive transformation, growing from a historic Gulf Coast city into a thriving center for both culture and business. A beautiful new waterfront district anchors this progressive evolution, and the Tampa Bay Convention Center presents a full range of modern amenities for PVA members who attend MariTrends 2027.

Tampa’s line-up of restaurants and food options are second to none with a variety that will satisfy all demands, from fine dining experiences to fresh local seafood and Florida influenced recipes, to authentic Spanish cuisine. The scenic Tampa Riverwalk stretches along the Hillsborough River and connects parks, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues including historic Ybor City, which is famous for its Cuban heritage, handcrafted cigars, and Spanish influenced architecture. PVA member Pirate Water Taxi offers hop-on, hop-off service via many stops located near attractions, museums, and restaurants throughout the city.

I look forward to seeing you at one or more of PVA’s upcoming meetings and events.

In the meantime, please let me know whenever we can be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,

John R. Groundwater
Executive Director

John R. Groundwater // Executive Director

John Groundwater is the Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association.