28 JULY 2019 • FOGHORN SAFETYMATTERS is illegal and just like rail jumpers, the Coast Guard can take action against individuals. Close call information will also be retained by the Navigation center to identify geographic areas of concern. Using the App The Coast Guard app is available for free through the Apple Store and Google Play. Once the app is downloaded, reporting a hazard is as easy as clicking the “Report Hazard” tile and filling out the required information. Under “Hazard Type” you will have the option of illegal charter or navigation- al hazard. For close calls, the navigational hazard type will be “Other” (until the Coast Guard gets the app updated). The app can automatically report your position and you can upload pictures of the offending vessels. PVA Board of Director member Capt. Bob Bijur, Island Queen Cruises, has developed a tutorial that is located in the Member Download area of the PVA website. We encourage all members to take a look and share with your crews. Close Calls The Coast Guard defines a Navigational Close Call as, “A hazardous action or behavior by another vessel, that if not for a fortunate break in the chain of events, would have caused an injury, fatality or damage.” This definition is in keeping with the definition of “Near Miss” in PVA’s Flagship Safety Management System which states, “An unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential to do so.” To put these two definitions into practice, vessel operators should provide guidance to their crews to report instances where an unexpected action by another vessel causes a sudden change in course, direction, or speed. In other words, sudden evasive action. While there will be some company-to-company differ- ence in interpretation, based on vessel types, maneuvering characteristics, operating areas and other risk factors, the information collected will help PVA and the Coast Guard determine mitigation strategies that will improve the safety of our nation’s navigational waterways. n Close Calls hazardous action or behavior by another vessel, that if not for a fortunate break in the chain of events, would have caused an injury, fatality or damage.” This definition is in keeping with the definition of “Near Miss” in PVA’s Flagship Safety Management System which states, “An unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential to do so.” should provide guidance to their crews to report instances where an unexpected action by another vessel causes a sudden change in course, direction, or speed. In other words, sudden evasive action. ence in interpretation, based on vessel types, maneuvering characteristics, operating areas and other risk factors, the