MARCH 2019 • FOGHORN 19 mariners really excited me for opportunities down the road. Once I found out that the Passenger Vessel Association was taking an intern this winter, I knew what I had to do: apply, interview, and follow up like crazy. I knew that I wanted to work with PVA in Washington, DC because of the members that I met while in Boston. The inviting atmo- sphere throughout the two days that I had spent with PVA members in Boston reaffirmed my decision of my degree choice: to support the passenger vessel industry from a landside position. I was fortunate that I was hired by PVA as an intern. This position included supporting the organization at its biggest educational event of the year. Once I got to the PVAAnnual Convention at MariTrends 2019 in New Orleans in mid January, it all came together. At this point in time I felt like I became one of the PVA employees. Growing up, I played on several teams throughout my childhood and then in high school and it was something I always enjoyed. During the convention, we worked as a team to get the job done and that’s one of the things I enjoyed about working at PVA. The team atmosphere is valuable in the workplace. After the convention was over and we headed back to PVA’s headquarters in DC, the job experience continued. The trip to Capitol Hill with Ed Welch, PVA’s Legislative Director, was something special in itself. Washington, DC is a unique place and to go to Capitol Hill for the first time as a 22-year-old and advocate for the passenger vessel industry was something I will never forget. As a student in the maritime industry, it was an honor to be a part of the development of the new PVA Emerging Leaders Committee. To see young leaders, and new faces from across the industry come together and pool their ideas all in the effort of making the Passenger Vessel Association a better place is something special, and I am glad that I could be a part of the dialogue. I am excited to see where this committee takes the Emerging Leaders within PVA. In closing, I’d like to thank the members, staff, and all of those involved in the organization for letting me be involved in the Passenger Vessel Association. It was an amazing expe- rience. Cheers to Tampa 2020. ■ PERSPECTIVE About the Author Nick Dellamano is a third-year cadet at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Established in 1891, Mass Maritime is the second oldest state maritime academy in the United States. Nick is presently in China for a study abroad program to learn firsthand about international business in the global maritime market. Thrustmaster’s complete hybrid propulsion systems for ferries and excursion vessels reduces fuel consumption and cuts carbon emissions. The engines clock fewer operating hours and run at their most efficient operating load, running cleaner and extending maintenance intervals. Propulsion motors are in pods below the hull, saving space and eliminating noise in the vessel. Thrustmaster’s hybrid propulsion systems are completely integrated systems with generators, power distribution, frequency inverters, azimuth thrusters, stored energy and automated power management. Made in the USA and protected by Thrustmaster’s patented technology. Learn more at www.Thrustmaster.net Thrustmaster’s complete hybrid propulsion systems for ferries and excursion vessels reduces fuel consumption and cuts carbon emissions. The engines clock fewer operating hours and run at their most efficient operating load, running cleaner and extending maintenance intervals. Propulsion motors are LEADING THE WAY LEADING THE WAY