b'Thinking about these situations was part of my motivationand Guidance) by Kenneth W. Fisher. The book is an excel-for writing this article. It is intended to share a shipyardslent source of knowledge and insights, but one thing which perspective on what their customers might consider chang- stood out to me was Fishers mention of owners/operators ing or doing better with respect to their bid specificationsnot sufficiently investing time and resources in development and/or requirements when issuing solicitations, bid docu- of proper specifications, drawings, and other technical de-ments, guidance for annual inspections, repairs, overhauls,tails so shipyards have a clear understanding of what they are or new construction. bidding on. This article gives shipyards an opportunity to communicate this type of essential information.I feel strongly that when an owner/operator awards a contract to a shipyard, both parties must view it as a partnership, notI crafted six questions which I posed to several shipyards an adversarial relationship. Normally, prior to a partnershipand gave them the opportunity to share additional advice there is a serious discussion between the parties to ensurethey feel is important for customers to know. The respons-everything is understood. This is an opportunity for bothes below are from Bay Ship & Yacht Co. of Alameda, Ca-teamstocommunicateprioritiesthatmaynotbeclearlylif.; Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding of Somerset, Mass.; and spelled out in the specifications or contract, such as schedul- Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Wash.ing, availability of parts and materials, production issues, etc.Additionally,ifvesselmembersandassociatemember While researching in preparation for this article I read Ship- shipyards are interested, there is the possibility of a work-yard Projects: Planning & Management (Insights, Lessons,ing session between interested shipyards and owners at Opposite: A birds-eye view of the yards at Bay Ship & Yacht Co. in California. STORE AND FORWARD PAYMENTSLET ASSUREDPARTNERS MCM MANAGE Mobile Processing SolutionsYOUR INSURANCE SO YOU CAN for Boats/Ferries.FOCUS ON YOUR VOYAGETake transactions even in dead spotsAssuredPartners MCM is a leading independentwhere mobile devices are offline.insurance brokerage based in the Pacic Northwest. Our A receipt is generated and pending paymentscombined experience placing insurance and managingare processed once back in service range.the marine industrys unique risks.Whether were working with vessel operators, builders, PHOTO COURTESY OF BAY SHIP & YACHT CO. Navigating paymentstogether. Experience the Thrive Payments Difference today.AssuredPartners MCMContact: Damon L. NasmanDirect Line: 206.262.6375 ASSOCIATE MEMBER:PROUD SUPPORTER:Damon.Nasman@assuredpartners.comwww.assuredpartnersmcm.com855.794.2602thrivepay.us19 JULY 2023'