JUNE 2018 • FOGHORN 5 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Groundwater and the Coast Guard to meet and discuss issues affecting each group. Emphasis is placed on identifying areas in which we can work together for the common good. Issues discussed during the meeting included: • Illegal Charters • Safety Culture and the new CG From 835V • Lithium ion battery Technology • Sharing the Waterways • Managing Special Events to Avoid Waterways Conflicts • Risk-Based Vessel Inspections • Recreational Boater Training The QP meeting continues to be an important way for PVA and the Coast Guard to maintain good communications. It also allows us to discuss, and solve, problems in a non-regula- tory environment, which is good for everyone. PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2019 As you may know, the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2019 is scheduled January17-20 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in New Orleans, LA. We expect an excellent convention that is jam-packed with informative educational sessions, speakers, exhibitors, and, of course, attendees. New Orleans is one of the world’s most captivat- ing cities. It offers an excep- tional mixture of culture, food and music and will be an excellent venue for MariTrends 2019. PVA Call for Presentations – We Want Your Expertise! As we begin our planning for this exciting convention, I encourage you to consider contributing your knowledge and expertise by conducting a convention session or seminar. By now you should have received an email announc- ing the “Call for Presentations” for MariTrends 2019. If you are a PVA Vessel member, a PVA Associate member or a government representative, we would like you to become involved in the MariTrends 2019 as a presenter to pass along your knowledge and experience to all Carrying the PVA Flag in Washington D.C. PVA represents the interests of its members all year long by interacting with Congress, federal regulatory agencies and aligned maritime organizations. Once every year PVA members gather in Washington D.C. to take to the Halls of Congress to support PVA’s advocacy work. Last month, represen- tatives from 25 PVAmember companies par- ticipated in the annual PVA Congressional Fly-In to carry the PVA flag. This fast-moving event included more than 30 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff members who were briefed on pressing industry issues. During these meetings, PVA members emphasized the importance of the passenger vessel industry in the Nation’s economy, argued against implementation of an “official” logbook requirement, advocated for providing adequate funding for the Coast Guard’s inspec- tion mission, called for more funding for the Small Shipyard Grant Program and discussed the growing public safety threat posed by illegal charter opera- tions in our ports and on our waterways. Chris Coakley, Vice President of Government Affairs for Saltchuk, a prominent U.S. trans- portation and logistics company, gave a warm-up talk for the Fly-in participants. Chris discussed the role of lobbyists in Washington D.C. and explained the impor- tance of ensuring that Members of Congress are well informed on the issues facing the maritime industry. Chris cited the recent claims that the Jones Act hindered hurricane response in Puerto Rico as being totally off-the-mark. He stressed the importance of ensuring that Congress, and the media, have the facts on the JonesAct, and other important maritime issues so they will not make hasty and uninformed decisions that could negatively affect us. PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership Meeting That same week, PVA leaders and staff participated in the PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership Meeting (QP). Rear Admiral John Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy and other senior Coast Guard officers also participated. This important meeting is conducted twice yearly and offers an excellent opportunity for PVA LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 Left to right: Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA) meets with Massachusetts-based PVA members Bob Lawler, Boston Duck Tours; Alison Nolan, Boston Harbor Cruises; and Tim McAuliff, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding.