b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMariTrends 2023: ImpactfulAT THE HELMLearning, Valuable RelationshipsJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORM ild weather, sunshine, and palm trees greeted PVA membersGuard attendees at the convention this year. Not only were individ-who attended the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrendsuals from the Coast Guard attending sessions and events, they were 2023 in Long Beach, Calif., in February. Those who attend- also making presentations on a wide range of timely industry-relat-ed the MariTrends 2023 convention were also treated to a robust con- ed topics. They even brought in a Coast Guard cutter to take part in vention program that offered a vast menu of educational sessions alongthe Meet and Greet the Fleet event in Rainbow Harbor, which was with a MariTrends 2023 exhibit floor that showcased a variety of prod- adjacent to the Hyatt Regency and the Long Beach Convention and ucts and services offered by loyal PVA associate members. Entertainment Center.The PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends, wherever the location,Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Peter Gautier has become a must-attend event for all in the passenger vessel industry.traveled from Washington, D.C., to give the conventions opening Over the years, the number of valuable learning opportunities throughkeynote address. During his remarks, Vice Admiral Gautier spoke of expert sessions, keynote addresses, and roundtables, has grown dra- the excellent relationship that exists between the Coast Guard and matically, compelling PVA members to say that it is the one annualPVA. He said that this relationship, and greater understanding, is event where they can learn, share, and interact with their industryfurthered because of the Coast Guard/PVA Quality Partnership, peers all under one roof.It is the one annual event that brings togetherwhich is held twice a year. He addressed the increased demands individuals from all corners of the passenger vessel industry.placedonCoastGuardresourcesduetoincreasedinspections, changing technologies, the growth of windfarm projects, and ad-AttendanceatthePVAAnnualConventionatMariTrends2023,vancementsinfueltechnologies.ViceAdmiralGautieralsodis-while slightly behind the pre-COVID-19 high-water mark of 2020 incussed the Coast Guards priority to address sexual harassment, not Tampa, signals an optimistic return to normal convention attendanceonly in the military and the maritime academies, but also through-and conditions. We believe that while the passenger vessel industry isout the maritime industry.still coping with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in some markets, our convention is on a very positive return trajectory.In addition, the Coast Guard was on hand to deliver very good news PVA members were, without a doubt, thrilled to gather face-to-face, re- about an issue upon which PVA has been advocating for quite a newing old acquaintances while also building new relationships. Bothfew years. Chief of Commercial Vessel Compliance Captain Mark vessel and associate members were extremely upbeat and thoroughlyNeeland announced that the Coast Guard has standardized the enjoyed their time together.drydock process to eliminate the loss of credit when drydock exams go longer than planned. In other words, when the vessel goes back While at the convention, incoming PVA President Jim Swindler com- in the water and the inspection is complete, the credit is issued with mented on how impressed he was with the large number of U.S. Coastthat date and not the date the exam was due. Continued on page 437 MARCH 2023'