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SEPTEMBER 2026
Our vision behind the project was simple: recreate pro-
fessional, modern, consistent, and practical training re-
sources that can be utilized by PVA members throughout 
the United States. Nearly 30 years have passed since the 
last series of training videos was produced, making this 
project more than simply an update, it is a significant in-
vestment in bringing passenger vessel training resources 
into the modern era. Today’s crews operate in an industry 
that has evolved considerably, with new technologies, 
changing regulations, and an ever-greater emphasis on 
safety and operational excellence. The videos are designed 
to supplement onboard training, PVA deckhand and se-
nior deckhand training manuals, reinforce critical safety 
concepts, and provide crews with engaging educational 
content that reflects real-world operating conditions. 
The curriculum covers a broad range of operational and 
emergency topics that crews encounter every day, helping 
companies build stronger safety cultures while support-
ing regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
The project has been guided by a dedicated working group 
consisting of PVA Vice President John Lake, PVA Past Pres-
ident Bob Bijur, PVA Board Member Tim Ratcliffe, and 
myself. Together, we have spent countless hours identifying 
training needs, prioritizing subject matter, reviewing scripts, 
coordinating filming locations, and ensuring that each vid-
eo reflects our industry’s best practices. Throughout the 
process, every decision has centered around one question: 
How do we create training material that will genuinely help 
vessel operators keep their crews and passengers safe?
A project of this scope also requires strong support from 
PVA leadership and staff. PVA President Andrew Sargis 
has provided important leadership and support from 
the board of directors, helping reinforce the value of this 
effort as an association-wide investment in safety and all 
operators who are members of our association. PVA staff 
John Groundwater and Eric Christensen have also played 
an instrumental role in helping move the project forward, 
TOP THREE PHOTOS: TIM ROCHE, BOTTOM PHOTO: SARAH FERRETTI
Filming for the safety videos has been done in Chicago (top right photos), New York (top left and bottom photo), and Seattle. 
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