As part of ongoing efforts to improve access to member benefits, PVA has recently updated access to member resources associated with training and compliance tools, the member directory, and member profile management. In addition, PVA has added a feature where members can ask questions of PVA staff through the member portal.
The Pva Member Portal
The Member Portal replaced Member Resources on the PVA website passengervessel.com landing page.
After clicking on the Member Portal tab at the top right of the PVA site, members will be asked for their username and password.
A PVA member’s portal login is their email, and the password is either issued by PVA staff or created by the member by clicking on the forgot password option. Please note that members need to have an email in the PVA database to use the forgot password option. If a member needs to know if their email is in the PVA database, please contact Leslie Kagarise of the PVA staff at lkagarise@passengervessel.com.
Once logged in, members will see the new dashboard feature containing access links to Member Resources, the Member Directory, Ask PVA, and their profile. When Member Resources is selected, the following topic will appear:
- Pitted Plate Assessment Tool
This tool developed under the PVA/U.S. Coast Guard Quality Partnership allows an individual to assess the remaining material left in a section of plate that has signs of pitting. The assessment is consistent with guidance provided by the Ship Structures Committee (SSC) Report 394 Strength Assessment of Pitted Panels and can be used in the development of repair or monitoring proposals. - Safety and Crew Training Tools
Here you can access the Online Learning Management Portal and other guidance documents and training including:- The new PVA Deckhand Training Manual
- PVA Member Employee Handbook
- Rail Jumper Guidance
- Reporting Close Calls with Recreational Boaters
- Marine Employers Drug Testing Guidance
- HAZMAT Training Acceptance Letter
- HAZMAT Training Presentation
Note: The online portal can be reached through the Member Resources tab above or by clicking on the following link pva.marinels.com. Each vessel operating member company has been assigned a user ID and password. To request login information please contact Eric Christensen at echristensen@passengervessel.com. The login information can be provided to vessel member employees, so they have free access to PVA crew training materials.
- Engagement Tools for Local Fire Departments
The first time to meet your local fire department and first responders in not when your vessel is on fire. These tools developed by the PVA Safety & Security Committee provide a checklist, pre-fire plan template, and a sample Memorandum of Understanding designed to assist members in outreach efforts to local fire departments and open lines of communication for planning drills and exercises. - Security Tools
This section is broken into three parts to cover the PVA Alternative Security Program (ASP), cybersecurity, and security drills and exercises, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) resources relevant to the marine transportation system as well as information in the Intermodal Security Training and Exercise Program (I-STEP). - Regulatory Compliance Tools
This section contains what members need to know about the Americans with Disabilities Act, Coast Guard compliance information, how to comply with the EPA’s Vessel General Permit. Within the Coast Guard section, PVA provides the latest Coast Guard inspection forms, checklists, and a Prevention Directory Contact list where you will find who to contact at the local inspection division and district office with inspection related concerns. It is updated twice a year. There is also an updated template to assist in compliance with non-tank vessel response plan requirements and a new form to assist members in reporting sexual assault and sexual harassment incidents. - Green WATERS Program
Going green is made easier for PVA members by referencing the Green WATERS Best Green Business Practices Manual and Checklist. - Communications Tools
Need a crisis communications plan format or media relations policy? Members can see what PVA has developed to assist companies when things go bump in the night. - Flagship Safety Management System
Members interested in PVA’s Safety Management System (SMS) can find not only the recent Flagship SMS Program manual and template but also tools developed by members and the Coast Guard to assist in evaluating and auditing the program. For more information on PVA’s Flagship SMS, see Lee Boone’s article in this month’s Foghorn.
Member Directory
Need to find a member or company? The Member Directory has been streamlined so that all you need to do is submit a name, company, or location and the directory will return a list of results.
Ask Pva
This is a new feature of the Member Portal where you can ask a question to PVA staff, and it will be routed to the appropriate staff member to assist you.
My Profile
Updating your PVA profile information is easy though the My Profile tab. You can upload a picture, change company or personal contact information, or provide additional information. You need only share what you want to share.
On the Horizon
Coming soon to Member Resources is the new PVA Senior Deckhand Training Manual. With updated content and a new format, this document will include and be complementary to the Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 1-91 Policy Guidance and Recommended Qualifications for Small Passenger Vessel Deckhands. The PVA Safety & Security Committee is also working on new videos to update and complement existing manuals, and more guidance associated with the carriage of lithium-ion battery powered devices.
Whether you use the training directly off the PVA website or learning management portal or you incorporate those tools into your own training platform, the PVA tools are a benefit of membership that can help companies large and small with practical resources developed by members for members.
Questions regarding access can be directed to PVA staff Leslie Kagarise lkagarise@passengervessel.com or Eric Christensen echristensen@passengervessel.com.
Eric Christensen is the PVA Director of Regulatory Affairs & Risk Management