b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTSummer Safety Reminders efforts to combat illegal charters and we saw the success of this effort in Chicago when This issue of FOGHORN is dedicated toa Michigan man was arrested on federal safety. As Passenger Vessel Associationcriminal charges for allegedly conduct-members, we all understand how importanting repeated illegal charter boat operations it is to make safety the number one priority inon Chicago waterways. According to the everything we do. In the heat of the summer,U.S. Department of Justice, Christopher M. as we see a dramatic increase in recreationalGarbowski was charged in early July with traffi c on our already congested waterwaysBob Lawler one count of violating an order of the captain and at the same time we fi nd our passengerof the port.For a full report of this incident, counts are growing, we are asking our staffsee Newswire on page 38 of this edition. to work longer hours in increasingly challenging condi- For more information regarding illegal charters and tions. Stress levels may begin to rise and sometimes thethe PVAs continuing efforts to stop them, check out www.atmosphere shifts from one of safety every day to Iillegalcharters.com. cant wait for Labor Day. That is why it is so importantThe PVA Safety and Security Committee has also been to remain vigilant and laser-focused on the safety of yourbeta testing a new feature on the Coast Guard app. The operation. All it takes is one person who is distracted,app is available to download for free in the app store complacent, orand it provides simply checkeda range of safety out to cause atools and infor-major incident.mation ranging Augustisfrom rules of the the perfect timescreenshot 3 road, to NOAA to refresh bothweather buoys. your onboardIt also provides staff and youra form to report s h o r e s i d eany hazardous personnel oncondition. It y o u r s a f e t ya l l o w s y o u standards. Oneto fill in your way to do thislocation, the is with quicktype of hazard, m o r n i n g o rand even add pre-shift meetings with daily safety topics planned ina photo of the hazard before being routed to the proper advance. These are most impactful when led by a seniorCoast Guard offi ce for follow up. The Committee is testing manager. The briefi ngs dont need to be overly compli- ways to use this app to report near misses with recreation-cated. It could be as simple as reviewing past incidents,al boaters in the hopes of collecting and sharing data with discussing boarding procedures and slip, trip and fallthe USCG. We hope to have a deliverable product for all prevention tactics, or practicing the use of a portablemembers towards the end of 2019.fi In the meantime, if the PVA Safety and Securityre extinguisher. Although the specifi c topics are useful these short meetings serve as a mental check in withCommittee, and/or the PVA Board of Directors, can be of your team and it reminds them that management is stillany assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. focused on safety and they should be as well.Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer.During these meetings dont forget to ask your frontline workers about any safety concerns that theySincerely,might have. I guarantee that youll be surprised by the discussions and the insight that they provide for your operation. Bob Lawler Industry-Wide SafetyPresident nThe PVA Safety and Security Committee is also working hard throughout the summer to continue to provide tools and service for our members. The committee is supporting the U.S. Coast Guard in its 4AUGUST 2019FOGHORN'