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For Handy and Barth, the lessons learned were how im-
portant it is to develop and maintain strong relationships 
with local agencies such as the fire and police depart-
ments. The teams were on a first name basis, and the 
officers knew which boat had just been out. There was 
no need to spend time on introductions or trying to fig-
ure out which boat was in service. “It couldn’t have gone 
more smoothly and quickly,” Handy say.
Their company culture enabled the crew to do the right 
thing without first checking with management. The crew 
had no question about what they should do. They could 
act, calling Handy to inform him instead of having to call 
to request permission.
Above all, the operation was adaptable. In such scenarios, 
it may not be clear what’s needed or for how long. The op-
eration remained nimble and offered any assistance they 
could without knowing what to expect. 
Inman has been involved in countless investigations 
through the course of his career. He has been on the scene 
of accidents and worked with families in the aftermath. It 
isn’t easy and he reminded attendees that if they or their 
crews are ever involved in an incident, even in the role of 
a responder, to let their teams know that it’s okay to not 
be okay. “Lean on your support network. Make sure you 
check on your people,” he advised. 
As the session closed, Inman reminded the audience that the 
goal is to work together. When an incident does occur, both 
parties are working for the same purpose; to discover what 
happened and to prevent it from happening again. “From 
tragedy we draw knowledge to improve the safety for us all.”

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