70 FOGHORN al consistency, and regulatory compli- ance 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 oper- ational 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 docu- mentation, maintenance procedures, and risk management practices. Im- portantly, the Flagship SMS will help with Coast Guard inspections and safeguards compliance with applica- ble regulations. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of the Flagship SMS, contact PVA Senior Regulatory and Programs Advisor Lee Boone at lboone@passen- gervessel.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 at- tending, now is the time to register and make hotel reservations. When you attend, you can expect compel- ling programming offering tips, tac- tics, 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. PVA Great Lakes Region Meeting Oct. 14–16, 2026 Chicago, Ill. PVA Western Region Meeting Oct. 21–23, 2026 Waikoloa, Hawaii PVA Original Colonies Region Meeting Nov. 4–6, 2026 Wilmington, N.C. PVA Rivers Region Meeting Nov. 8–10, 2026 Nashville, Tenn. 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 histor- ic Gulf Coast city into a thriving center for both culture and business. A beauti- ful 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 stretch- es 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 AT THE HELM Continued from page 7: Letter from the Executive Director PHOTO: MARKUS MAINKA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM REGISTER TODAY EVENT SITE EVENT SITE REGISTER TODAY
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