24 JULY 2017 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES In addition, Watermark has partnered with local environmental and education groups that share the vessel operation’s vision. Along with the PVA Green WATERS Program, Watermark is also a proud Founding One Hundred Sponsor of Annapolis Green. Annapolis Green fills a unique need, connecting the community by communicating an environmental message that is meaningful, positive and motivational, engaging residents, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and visitors. The organi- zation’s goal is make Annapolis the greenest city in Maryland. Another partner, the Annapolis Maritime Museum, is dedicated to preserving and commemorating the maritime heritage ofAnnapolis and the neighboring waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Each spring, the museum brings students aboard the Harbor Queen to drop harvested oysters into the Bay. Watermark and the museum have also developed several edu- cational hands-on STEM programs including an ECOTour, Chesapeake 101, and Critter Cruise. The programs encourage literacy about the Bay and its ecology. In Baltimore, Watermark partners with the National Aquarium offering an Aquatic Adventures package that includes time for students and groups to explore the Aquarium and then connect their learning to the local waters on a Baltimore Harbor Cruise. About the PVA Green WATERS Program The PVA Green WATERS is voluntary program that allows PVA Vessel members to easily adopt and/ or expand environmentally friendly practices. Many program participants report that in addition to saving money, they have generated positive impres- sions with customers, employees, media, and their community. This scalable program offers a “Best Green Business Practices” manual that will efficiently guide you through the often complex world of “green” practices. Through the use of case studies and concrete examples that are tailored specifically to the passenger vessel industry, this document allows operators to quickly understand how environmentally friendly practices can be easily and cost-effectively adopted. The manual also helps members un- derstand the positive impact that such practices have upon public opinion. What’s more, many PVA operators are pleased to note that they are already implementing many of the things the program advocates. The PVA Green WATERS’ easy-to- use checklist helps vessel operators assess the level of their environ- mental stewardship and get ideas to implement or expand their own envi- ronmental programs in the following operational areas: • Fuel Type and Consumption • Engine Maintenance and Emissions • Vessel Design and Construction • Office Operations • Power Sources • Galley Processes • Paperless Marketing Materials • Reservations and Ticketing • Water Consumption • Environmental Training Customer demands for greener, socially responsible environmen- tal practices are growing. To date, more than 54 million passengers ride on the “PVA Green Fleet,” which is comprised of more than 200 passenger vessels operated by PVAmembers par- ticipating in the PVA Green WATERS Program. It’s easy to get started. Complete information is available in the Member Resources section of the PVA Website: www.passengervessel.com/ member-resources.html#greenwaters n marinegroupbw.com | leah@marinegroupbw.com | [619] 621-2220 Marine Group Boat Works is the finest California boatbuilder and repairer of steel and aluminum high-speed ferries, catamarans and passenger vessels up to 220 feet-long. Operating two shifts, six days per week for fast turnarounds and minimized vessel time out-of-service. PROVIDING FLEET MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR TO FLAGSHIP CRUISES FOR OVER 30 YEARS INACITY THATHAS ITALL... SODOWE.