b'C rew training and crowd management are a core elementofchecks using the presentation that PVAs Safety and Security Commit-operations for a passenger vessel business. Many PVA membertee has placed in member resources on the PVA website. The focus is on companies have implemented training to prepare their staffthe detection of a firearm or prohibited item before it gets on the vessel for the possibility of an active shooter situation, which continues towhere options are limited. Crowd control and evacuation techniques persist and is top of mind due to recent events. I spoke with a few PVAare discussed in both the first and second segment. The third and fi-members, as well as a training company, to find out more about whatnal part in the training program focuses on de-escalation techniques. can be done.This covers methods of detecting potential threats early and techniques that can be used to reduce the possibility of personal injury or harm. A Capt. Tim Nease (Ret.) is the CEO and co-founder of Firearm Train- strong focus on body language for both the employee and the person(s) ing Specialists, LLC (FTS) which specializes in security training. Hesbeing de-escalated are the primary take aways.worked with a number of PVA members, including James McGuire of Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, Chris AnglinThis heightened security awareness is essential as an active shooter ofCrossSoundFerryServices,Inc.,andHeathGehrkeofCapethreat may possibly be stopped before any shots are fired and many op-May-Lewes Ferry for hands-on training. Anglins team began workingerators spoke of similarly training crew in early detection techniques. with FTS in 2017 to develop and implement a custom active shooterHeath Gehrke said his crew is trained in how to monitor passengers to training program that would take into account the unique character- assess a threat and how to diffuse a situation. McElroys team learns to istics of Cross Sound Ferrys operation, including vessel size, crew size,pay attention to marine activity, watercraft and verbal indicators, as and expected law enforcement response time.well as human behavior indicators of suspicious or potentially danger-ous individuals. For Cross Island Ferry the process began with a week-long visit by Nease and his team. They rode the vessels, spoke with the crew,There are two basic choices when dealing with an active shooter: fight and developed likely active shooter scenarios along with realisticor flightthough flight isnt much of an option on a vessel underway. response options. Engaging the crew during the development of theJames McGuire said they learn to marshal passengers and crew into safe training was very important as the teams feedback and participa- spaces such as bow thruster spaces, engineering spaces, and storage lock-tion contributed to the success of the program. Videos were createdersspaces that can be locked down. Wendella Sightseeing Boats trains aboardanout-of-servicevessel,employeestoplacebarriersbetween using the crew as actors, to demon- themselves and the source of danger. stratethescenarios.ThesevideosIt is one thing to talk aboutFor them, fighting is trained as the last became part of the company train- resort using safety equipment and oth-ingprogramandwereintegrateddisarming someone, buter means such as bar equipment, flares, into a lecture presentation. another to actually do it. or fire extinguishers and axes. Hands-on training is a key elementEveryone noted that communication of all FTS programs with the mind- CHRIS ANGLINiscrucialduringanemergencyand set that crews must be prepared toCROSS SOUND FERRY SERVICES, INC.having good protocols in place will fa-stoptheshooterasitcouldtakecilitate response to any incident. John authorities time to reach and boardLake,nationaldirectorofmarine a vessel. Anglin said the hands-on component was conducted by ex- operations for City Experiences by Hornblower said they have imple-pert trainers and included ambush techniques, methods to disarm amented two-way radios throughout their fleet to improve communica-shooter, how to apply handcuffs, and certification in the use of peppertions between captain and crew. Wendella Sightseeing Boats uses code spray and pepper gel guns. As Anglin said, it is one thing to talk aboutwords to communicate about sensitive situations. I have a MARSEC disarming someone, but another to actually do it. Using props such as2 at the bag check means I need help to determine if this is a dangerous rubber guns and inert pepper spray during hands-on training scenariossituation, McElroy explained. I have a MARSEC 3 at the bag check provides realistic training and really engages and empowers the crew.means all hands evacuate. These words are used to prevent panic, but allow crew to take the proper evacuation positions.JPX pepper gel guns, pepper spray, and handcuffs are non-lethal weap-ons that operators can have on board and train crew to use. BridgeportBuilding relationships with local authorities is key according to Lake & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, Cape May-Lewes Ferry, andand the others. It will mean responders have been on your boats before Cross Island Ferry have these tools aboard their vessels in strategic lo- and met your captains and crew, creating a level of comfort in uncom-cations. Crew are trained how to use each tool so they are familiar andfortable situation. Lake said their company has often participated in comfortable with them in the event of an emergency.drills with the U.S. Coast Guard. Not only do they learn something from the drills, but they have found that the Coast Guard is open to Mike McElroy, director of marine operations at Wendella Sighteeingideas Lakes team has for future exercises. Wendella Sightseeing Boats Boats, shared details about a three-hour security training comprisinghas partnered with the FBI, local law enforcement, SWAT teams, and three parts which is included in their returning and new employee train- the fire department to perform active shooter drills on board their ves-ing. The first part is a Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)sels. They are currently working on a presentation titled Shield Defense training presentation that covers how to detect and report suspiciousTactics For the Passenger Vessel Employee based on guidance from activity, devices, and persons, as well as how to protect oneself and oth- their experiences. McGuires team also did training this past April with ers in a critical incident. This includes applying active shooter scenarioslaw enforcement agencies on vessel-boarding tactics and has planned a to the run, hide, fight protocol and the use of time, shielding, andfollow up exercise for October. Offering your vessels for exercises, joint distance to protect employees and guests. The second part covers bagtraining, and/or familiarization tours will benefit all parties.17 JUNE 2022'