b'T he Passenger Vessel Association includes many types of vessel operations such as commuter ferries, dinner cruises, excur-sions,whalewatchingcruises,watertaxis,andsite-seeing cruises, to name a few. Each of these operations is faced with a myriad of challenges. One difficulty which every operation has in common is adverse weather conditions. How your team has planned for and dealswiththesewillplayamajorroleforoperationalcapabilities during poor weather. There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to how weather conditions may impact your operation, and likewise there is no one way for how you should or will prepare to deal with them.Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country, and with little or no forewarning. It can include events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, noreasters, and hurricanes, which may cause hazardous conditions like damaging winds, large hail, flash floods, freezing rain, sleet, or snow. Some locations may be faced with extreme ice conditions which could prohibit operations for extended periods of time. These adverse circumstances can be short-term, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, or long term, last-ing over several days. How do you deal and cope with adverse weather, and how can you adapt and plan for vessel operations during these periods?PHOTO COURTESY OF FIRE ISLAND FERRIESFirst, and most importantly, have a plan. There is plenty that your operations leaders can do to prepare the organization for the most likely hazards. Most, if not all, coast-line PVA members will be confronted with hurricanes, damaging winds, and severe flooding. Whereas our members operating on the great lakes and rivers will more likely be subject to flooding, wind, and ice. Whatever your situation may be, four things to keep in mind are: identify your risk, develop your plan, take swift action to implement your plan when necessary, and be recognized by and inspire others to follow your lead. A strong team and leadership will make weather readiness and reactionary measures flow much more efficiently.Regardless of the impacts weather may have on your operations, there are several The Impact of Weather onthings to consider when developing a plan, no matter what weather conditions you expect to face:Can your operation continue in service without computers, copier, fax machine, Operational Planning files, inventory, or special equipment (i.e., cash register, credit card readers, mobile ticket scanners)? Can your operation run without gas, power, water, internet, or telecommunications?Can you still operate without access to a damaged building or buildings?Can you meet payroll if your operation income is interrupted? If yes, for how long? 17 JUNE 2023'