JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 • FOGHORN 35 HOW PVA BENEFITS YOU The PVA Green WATERS Program includes an online tool kit including a Best Green Business Practices Manual and Best Green Business Practices Checklist. This program was developed by PVA staff and expert volunteers, many of which are vessel operators with years of experience, who worked for many months creating a com- prehensive program that uses case studies and concrete examples specifi- cally tailored to the passenger vessel industry. Using these online tools vessel operators are utilizing an array of “Best Green Business Practices” that include: • Office Operations • Power Sources • Fuel Type and Consumption • Galley Processes • Engine Maintenance and Emissions • Vessel Design and Construction • Paperless Marketing Materials and Collateral • Reservations and Ticketing • Water Consumption • Environmental Training Participants can take the framework principles of the PVA Green WATERS program and make them fit their unique operation. Green Team One of the key elements of the WATERS program is for companies to establish a “Green Team,” which is a leadership team from all levels of the company, including executives, who are dedicated to the mission and objec- tives of the Green WATERS program and are responsible for making the program work for their specific operation. The team builds buy-in throughout the organization and works towards continuous improvement. Scope of the Fleet PVA Green WATERS participants operate vessels in nearly every port in the country. The types of operators vary in size and type of operation. Vessels using the PVA Green WATERS Program operate in urban areas with high populations and heavily traveled marine routes as well as pristine wil- derness areas all of which have the critical need for environmental stew- ardship, and this Program is a vital part of preserving the environment in these areas. Continuing Education – Continuous Improvement The Green WATERS Conference is held every year at the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends and offers a forum for operators to learn about and discuss new green practices, products, technology, services and trends. This event is open not only to PVA Green WATERS participants but also to all PVA members. Recognition The PVA Green WATERS Program has been endorsed by Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism promotion agency, for sustainable tourism. Just last year, Travel Oregon has selected the PVA Green WATERS Program as one