b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPVA Membership: AT THE HELMValuable Benefits, Expanding ServiceJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORH ave you renewed your PVA membership for 2025?many of the issues being considered have far-reaching con-If you have, thank you very much for your con- sequences for our industry. tinuing support. If you have not, I hope you will, as your membership allows PVA to continue its work onVOLUNTEER AND SHAPE PVA POLICYso many important projects and activities of importance toAND PROGRAMS you and your business. Your membership support also en- DidyouknowthatasaPVAmemberyoucanplayan sures that PVA remains strong, and the association is ableactiveroleinshapingthepoliciesandprogramsofthe to continue developing innovative management programsassociation? PVA is stronger because of members who vol-and training tools to assist you in smoothly operating yourunteer their time and expertise to the advancement of our passenger vessel businesses. In addition, your continuingassociation. The good news is that volunteering is not as membership will allow PVA to vigorously and effectivelytime-consuming as it may sound. Volunteering for a PVA represent your interests in Washington D.C.on Capitolcommittee is an easy way to get involved. The following HillandbeforefederalagenciessuchastheU.S.Coastcommittees meet regularly and the PVA staff are charged Guardto ensure that your voice is heard on the issueswith coordinating the committee logistics and administra-that matter most to your businesses.tion. I encourage you to consider joining.PVA AND ADVOCACY IN WASHINGTON D.C.PVA Legislative CommitteeAs mentioned, advocacy is one of the most importantThe PVA Legislative Committee guides the development reasonstosupportPVA.WithoutPVAsinvolvementof PVAs federal legislative policy as it relates to the pas-with Congress and the many government agencies whosengervesselindustry.ContactPVAsRichardPatchat oversee and regulate the passenger vessel industry, yourrpatch@passengervessel.com.opinions are largely not heard, and decisions are made withoutyourinput.ThecollectivevoiceofthePVAPVA Regulatory Committeemembershipfor both vessel and associate members ThePVARegulatoryCommitteemonitorstheprom-in the nations capital is powerful. Through its advo- ulgationoffederalregulationsrelatingtothepassen-cacyworkandconstantvigilance,PVAhasbuiltthegervesselindustry.ContactPVAsEricChristensenat relationships, and credibility, which ensures that yourechristensen@passengervessel.com.viewpoints are considered on the important government issues affecting your business. As a result, governmentPVA Safety and Security CommitteeofficialsoftencontactPVAstaffwithquestionsandThePVASafetyandSecurityCommitteedevelopsand clarification before crafting legislation or making regu- producestrainingproducts,guidelines,andtoolsfor latory decisions, for example. This is extremely helpfulPVAmemberuse.ContactPVAsEricChristensen, in that it helps establish sound policy, as well as longechristensen@passengervessel.com.term trust and respect. PVA Marketing and Membership CommitteePVA serves an important national role in that it is the col- Thisimportantcommitteeconsidersanddevelopspro-lective voice for its members, and it provides a collectivegrams intended to add value to PVA member marketing seatatthetableaslegislationandregulationsarebeingand communications activities. It also focuses on identi-considered. Your membership adds authority to PVA as itfying ways to increase new member services and benefits. participates in this process. This is extremely important asContact PVAs Katie Hill at khill@passengervessel.com.Continued on page 617 NOVEMBER 2024'