b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM Diving Deeper with PVA CommitteesPATRICK MURPHY // PRESIDENTA s I have attended PVAs Annual Conventions atThe following is a list of PVA committees that I encourage MariTrends and Region Meetings over the lastnew members to consider joining. Each has a brief descrip-few years, I noticed quite a few new members intion of the committees purpose and contact information to attendance. In addition, some of our more senior mem- express interest in joining or to discuss committee activities bers have brought younger crew members with them toin greater detail. You do not have to be an expert in any of take advantage of all the information and learning op- these subject areas and it is important to stress that commit-portunities that are availabletee membership is open to both through PVAs meetings. Thisvessel and associate members. is a very encouraging trend asI believe that a logical theyarethenextgenerationfirst step is to encouragePVA LEGISLATIVEof individuals who will con- COMMITTEEtribute to and quite possiblynew members to join aCommitteemembersexamine lead PVA in the future. ThesePVA committee. Hereand discuss legislation and pol-youngpeoplehavelotsoficiesthatbenefitthebusiness goodquestionsaboutPVA,they will meet other like- healthandtheoperationsof theyareeagertolearn,andminded PVA members andthepassengervesselindustry. theyarecuriousabouthowgain exposure to issuesFamiliaritywithCongressis the association works.not required as PVA staff looks and programs that ourto PVA members for guidance Thoseofuswhohavebeenassociation is workingabouthowlegislativematters around PVA for a while un- impact PVA member businesses. derstand that our associationon. They will also have an is open to all who want to vol- opportunity to contributeContactPVALegislative unteer their time to a PVA ac- DirectorRichardPatchat tivity. We have grown to taketheir knowledge,rpatch@passengervessel.com.this for granted. But our newexpertise, and opinions membersaregenerallyunin- PVA SAFETY ANDformedandoftenconfusedthrough the process. SECURITY COMMITTEEabout how to get involved inThiscommitteesupportsthe PVA. It is our job, and our re- continuousimprovementof sponsibility, to help them understand how to benefit fromsafety,security,andenvironmentalstewardshipofthe all that our association has to offer them. I believe that apassengervesselindustryat-large.Committeemembers logical first step is to encourage new members to join acontribute to the development of safety-training resources PVA committee. Here they will meet other like-mindedand tools for PVA member use.PVA members and gain exposure to issues and programs that our association is working on. They will also haveContactPVADirectorofRegulatoryAffairsand an opportunity to contribute their knowledge, expertise,RiskManagementEricChristensenatechristensen@ and opinions through the process. passengervessel.com.Continued on page 41FOGHORN 4'