b'HenriLevesqueatSafetyManagementSystems,LLCAn SMS not only provides FOGHORN FOCUS shared an overview of why having an SMS in place is so important. Levesque noted that, understandably, the teamstandardization ofthere are big believers in safety management systems. He saidthatimplementinganSMScanprovideimmediaterequirements andbenefits including:expectations for employees, Harm Reduction: reduce the number and severity ofbut also allows for controls incidents/accidentsto identify risks and Cost Reduction: reduce costs to the owner associatedwith adverse events subsequent mitigation. Prepare for future regulatory requirementsBLUE & GOLD FLEETImprove your public imageSMS for years without even realizing it. We started consis-WereachedouttoafewPVAmemberswhoutilizeantent issue tracking 14 years ago. Our most current version is SMS to learn more about their systems, their experiencesthe most complete thanks to the help of PVA.implementing them, and the benefits theyve reaped. The responses below are from Blue & Gold Fleet, Seastreak,What are the benefits and value you have found from Staten Island Ferry, and Wendella Sightseeing Boats. implementing an SMS? Why is it important for an operator to have one in place? How long has your operation been using an SMS?Blue & Gold FleetBlue & Gold Fleet Our system has many benefits. I believe the best value Our system is actually a risk-based quality management sys- hascomefromhavingasystematicapproachtoman-tem (QMS) that includes all the elements of a safety manage- aging safety risks in operations. This is done by having ment system. This is to say it is more comprehensive than justclearly defined policies that are easily achievable to all an SMS as it includes policies for all departments includingcrew members in our fleet operations manual. Another human resources, financial services, sales, and marketing.benefit is that the program aims to improve safety by We have had this quality management system since 2010. building on existing processes. Response and corrective actions are guided by protocols established in our QMS. Seastreak These systems, which incorporate marine best practices, Seastreak began developing its SMS a little over ten yearsmake us reliable with predictable structure, discipline, ago. Our initial document of compliance was issued byand rigor.ABS in January of 2016.SeastreakStaten Island Ferry The main benefits from implementing an SMS are these NYC DOT Ferry Division implemented our Safety Man- four main points.agement System in early 2004 and were certified with our Document of Compliance and Vessel Safety Management Clear standardized policies and procedures that Certificates in October 2004. We are now approaching ourestablish safe practices and safe working environments 20th anniversary of our safety management systems ISMonboard each vessel.(International Safety Management) certification. Having paths to help prevent incidents from occurring Wendella Sightseeing Boats through reporting of unsafe conditions, nonconformi-We have been officially using functional elements of theties, and opportunities for improvement. FOGHORN 24'