33 AUGUST 2026 system enabling both shoreside and vessel personnel to effectively manage safety through a proactive sys- tem of continual improvement. Flagship Program requirements and Flagship SMS requirements meet the objectives and functional requirements of Title 33 US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 96.”2 The question should not only be, “Do I have to do this?” A better question is, “Would this make my operation safer?” PVA worked diligently to fashion an SMS program that is scalable to any size company/fleet. To get a feel for the how the Flagship SMS Program can benefit your company, request assistance for a Flagship gap analysis audit for your vessel(s) and shoreside operation. You might be surprised as to what you operation is good at and what policies/proce- dures may require refining. For a passenger vessel operator, safety management is ulti- mately about preventing small problems from developing into major casualties. Human mistakes, equipment fail- ures, poor communication, unclear responsibilities, missed maintenance, and inadequate emergency preparation do not always begin as catastrophic events. Many begin as small deficiencies or overlooked hazards. A structured SMS provides a way to recognize and address those weaknesses before the situation demands a reactive response. The system should also be specific to the vessel and the company operating it. An SMS is not intended to be a generic manual created simply to satisfy an auditor or occupy space on an office shelf. It should function as a safety guide built around the vessel, its operation, its crew, and the hazards associated with the work being performed. More importantly, it should be a living document. Everyone has a role in making that system work, from company leadership and managers to captains and newly hired crew members. Company leadership establishes pol- icies intended to protect people, property, and the waters in which the vessel operates. Captains and crews put those policies into practice aboard the vessel. The designated From 6 to 200kW Available with or without enclosures 6 to 200kW For global support, contact John McKinnon at 770-601-6880 or john.mckinnon@kohler.com Available from 20 to 175kW Available 6 to 200kW Available 6 to 200kW *Products shown are not to scale Kohler Marine is now
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