7 JULY 2026 T he Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) has histor- ically provided a broad range of benefits and ser- vices to its members. This list of important mem- ber 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 assis- tance for all PVA members. PVA’s safety and training programs in particular are being dramatically expanded this year. The goal of this expan- sion 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 con- sistently 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 com- prehensive. 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 reli- ability 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 pro- grams have unquestionably contributed to safer waterways and a more resilient passenger vessel industry overall. I en- courage 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 work- ing 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 train- ing 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 ac- curately 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 Passen- ger 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. PVA FLAGSHIP SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Passenger Vessel Association’s Flagship Safety Man- agement 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, operation- JOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE HELM PVA Safety Programs in Full Swing Continued on page 70 SUBMIT A NOMINATION
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