20 FOGHORN fort. Scenarios where warning signs already exist but haven’t been formally assessed is a good place to start. This could in- clude a near miss that is documented but never followed up on, equipment with a known problem that is worked around rather than fixed, a procedure that isn’t being followed in practice, or a recurring complaint from crew. The captains and crew members who work closest to the scenario being assessed should be involved. The people working the vessel every day have firsthand knowledge of where the potential threats are and can give valuable input on what controls can be used. This information will in- form the left side of the Bowtie model. The right side of the bowtie requires more thought because you are forecasting what happens after a potential incident occurs, not just mitigating the risks that are already present. For each potential outcome, the question to ask is whether a mitigation is truly in place or just assumed to be. Having a first aid kit is only an effective post-incident mitigation if the kit is fully stocked and crew are aware of its location. An in- cident reporting protocol is only a mitigation if crew know it exists and can demonstrate how to use it. Going through each potential outcome and reviewing the mitigations can reveal procedural gaps that were not obvious or known before. Once the risk assessment discussion is completed, doc- umenting it into the bowtie structure shouldn’t be diffi- cult. A clean diagram with the threats, controls, potential outcomes, and mitigations clearly labeled is sufficient. For operators already working within a framework like PVA’s Flagship SMS Program, the bowtie fits naturally as a risk assessment component that is intentional and thorough, adding more structure to the process. Crew members should be involved in the documentation of the bowtie as- sessment and made aware of their responsibilities regarding the controls and mitigations identified. Review the bowtie risk assessment after an incident or near miss, when operations change, or when seasonal crew turn- over means new personnel are responsible for the identified controls and mitigations. FOGHORN FOCUS Supporting PVA events isn’t just good exposure— it’s a direct line to vessel operators, industry leaders, and key decision-makers throughout the passenger vessel industry. BENEFITS INCLUDE • Logo placement on marketing materials with a link to your company’s site • Verbal recognition during the meeting • Tabletop signage at registration • Inclusion on in-event welcome slides • Sponsor recognition on social media • Recognition in PVA’s Foghorn magazine SPONSOR TODAY PVA 2026 REGION MEETINGS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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