b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM Security is a Lifelong CommitmentBOB BIJUR // PRESIDENTT he phrase safe and secure is commonly used to signify that alladopted security in their businesses and are always open to sharing is well. I also use the phrase to acknowledge that my vessel hastheir solutions with fellow PVA members. Some PVA associates spe-been examined and is manned and ready to get underway. Safecialize in enhanced security training and assessments for operators, and secure as it relates to ones home refers to a protected place or a safewhich serve as a valuable resources for all PVA members.zone. The word security, used by itself, has a certain intensity, and in our challenging world today most closely means to protect from dan- There are many ways to develop and implement a robust security pro-ger and act to make safe against adverse contingencies. gram for your company, even if it is not required by regulation. PVAs Safety and Security Committee is made up of members who are con-Over the last three decades, we have witnessed a multitude of threatstinuously working to provide the latest and most updated resources to our safety and security. Organized radical extremists have focusedto PVA members. These resources are located in the members-only on soft targets and at other times senseless and unexplainable terrordownload section of the PVA web site.and carnage has been inflicted by a lone individual. There is no real pattern andFor the first time, the Safety and Securi-threats now can come where and whenty Committee will host an exhibit booth they are least expected. For the first time, theat the PVA Annual Convention atMar-iTrends 2023 in Long Beach, Calif. This The days of watching the network newsSafety and Securitywill be an opportunity for all convention and being shocked at the horrible eventsattendees to get hands-on help and advice happening to others has become almostCommittee will host anfrom fellow members who will be avail-commonplace.Unfortunately,weareexhibit booth at the PVAabletodiscussthesafety,security,and all at risk and must be informed andtraining resources that are currently avail-prepared to act in the face of these po- Annual Convention at able through PVA. This will be a great op-tential threats. While I honestly hopeportunity to compare and share. that no one experiences a real threat,MariTrends 2023.wemustnonethelessbevigilantandPVAs Ed Welch has been very busy this engaged in ensuring our own security.month updating members affected by the proposedrulemakingprotectingright As passenger vessel operators, we consider the safety andsecurity ofwhales by imposing broader speed reductions. Also, after many years our passengers and crew to be our highest priority. Security has be- of lobbying Congress, and through numerous PVA Congressional fly-come a critical element in the overall safety and risk management pro- ins where Ed prepared members to advocate for broader access to the cess. Now, to be safe is to also be secure.Capital Construction Fund (CCF), these efforts paid off as Congress passed legislation which would make the CCF available to all passenger PVA staff and members have long been at the forefront of educatingvessel operators.and providing resources for members to use in improving safety in their operations. Before the promulgation of numerous prescriptiveThe PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2023, scheduled Feb. 2-5 laws and regulations, members of PVA committees were actively work- in Long Beach, is shaping up to be a very well attended and informative ing on alternative compliance programs, and training resourcesde- event. It is a great opportunity to see each other face-to-face and ex-veloped by members for memberswhile also working with govern- change ideas and experiences. I am looking forward to seeing everyone mental agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration,there in February. to provide members with additional training tools and programs. May everyone have a peaceful and safe holiday season and a very happy As passenger vessel operators, we have learned that we must also con- and prosperous New Year in 2023. stantly strive to close the communications gap with government and other stakeholders in our local operating areas. The development of training exercises with local, state, and federal law enforcement agen- At Your Service, cies has become an essential practice in establishing effective security programs. Representation at your local Area Maritime Security Com-mittee is an excellent way to forge these important relationships and while establishing meaningful and cooperative training opportunitiesBob Bijurinvolving your local first responders. PVA associate members have alsoPVA President, 2022FOGHORN 4'