b'From a Shipyards Perspective JIM SWINDLER // PVA PRESIDENTM y career in the marine industry began as an apprentice shipfitter.Afterleavingtheshipyard,Iworkedonthe naval architecture/marine engineering side and then in the passenger vessel sector of the industry, primarily ferry vessels. Duringthatperiod,Iwasinvolvedinmanyshipyardoverhaulprojectsandtwonewconstructionprojects,includingservingas PHOTO COURTESY OF GLADDING-HEARN SHIPBUILDINGownersrepresentativeontwonewmilitarypre-positioningships built at General Dynamics, Quincy Shipbuilding Division.Based on my experience during 30-plus years in the passenger vessel industry, I would guess that most passenger vessel owner/operators have, at one time or another, com-plained about or been dissatisfied with their experience in a shipyard, whether it be for an up and down, major overhaul, or new construction project. During this time, the relationship between owner/operator and shipyard can be a bit tense, and the focus is on solving the issue at hand versus looking at how the issue could have been avoided al-together. I know its not unusual to have a conversation with a fellow operator(s) about just such an experience. Admittedly, this sort of discussion is generally not productive as were talking about the shipyard, not to the shipyard. 17 JULY 2023'