b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM Safety is Our Number One PriorityBOB BIJUR // PRESIDENTS ome vessel operators are in the entertainment business whileI thank all who are, and have been, involved in PVA committee work, others are in the transportation business. Our associate partnersincluding those in our own member companies who take the lead to are involved in a variety of industries such as manufacturing,ensure the highest standard of training and safety procedures are in distribution systems, and shipbuilding. Some are office-based, andplace to keep crew and customers safe.we even have members providing equipment and training on con-ducting safe operations.We often hear the question, What keeps you up at night? I take com-fort in knowing that when I have a nagging problem or question, I can A common theme among all of these groups is safety. Working safelyturn to PVA for answers. Our experienced and knowledgeable PVA underpins everything that we do. Yet, how do we ensure that our teamstaff are available to aid in preventive action and advice, and our PVA members and customers are as safe as possible?members, both vessel and associate, who live and breathe safety are al-ways willing to assist. For those in the passenger vessel industry, joining and actively par-ticipating in PVA is a necessary first step to answering this question.Many challenges lay before us when it comes to incorporating new One of the first things that prompted me to become a member of PVAtechnologies into our operations. Each comes with its own set of was the broad array of crew trainingquestionsandrisks.Todate,PVA materials that are available to all PVAhasbeensuccessfulinpreemptively members. These tools are developedI take comfort in knowingaddressingthesechallengesasthey for members by members who havearise by forming working groups with broad experience and contribute realthat when I have a naggingmembers, stakeholders, and regulators lessons learned. These PVA membersat the table to examine and formulate have experienced losses; avoided haz- problem or question, I canbest practices. We are committed for ards; and identified operational defi- thelongtermtoembraceallthings ciencies,inconsistencies,andanom- turn to PVA for answers. that make us safe.alies.Theyhavelookedforviable answers and workable solutions at allThePVADigitalMarketingCom-levels of their operations. They have contributed their time and exper- mittee met on July 26 and Katie Hill has made great progress in op-tise to PVA by serving on working groups and committees that developtimizing the Ahoy New Adventures website, with oversight from PVAs training tools, safety processes, and procedures, and they makeChairpersons Colleen Stevens of Stan Stephens Wildlife and Glacier the recommendations necessary toenhance safety for the future.Tours, Valdez, Alaska and Suzanne Krug of Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, Pa. Another committee meeting has been scheduled for I am extremely proud to be a member of the Passenger Vessel Associa- late August. tion. Our association is one that has made a difference to our members and in the evolution of our industry. As a result, PVA is recognized byThe PVA Safety and Security Committee is scheduled to meet this government and other maritime industry segments for our individual,month along with the PVA Engineering Subcommittee. The PVA collective, and successful commitment to safety.Regulatory Committee is also scheduled to meet this month.Continued on page 43WORDS TO LIVE BY (AUTHORS UNKNOWN)Know safety, no injury. Safety never Working without safety Your safety gears are No safety, know injury.takes a holiday.is a dead-end job.between your ears. Working safely may The door to safetyTomorrow:When youget old, but so do thoseswings on the hinges your reward for gamble with safety,who practice it.of common sense.working safely today.you bet your life. FOGHORN 4'