b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORBack Together Again AT THE HELMPVA Region Meetings a SuccessJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORIthis fall. Each of these meetingsPVA Southeast Re- Milton CAT Power Systemsam pleased to report to you that PVA held five successful region meetingsmtuRolls Royce Solutions Americagion, PVA Great Lakes Region, PVA Western Region, PVA RiversNewfrontRegion, and PVA Original Colonies Regionwere held in person forRobinson & Sonthe first time in two years. Needless to say, PVA members were thrilledRocketRezto be back together again after this long, unwelcome hiatus.Rose Point Navigation SystemsSeacraft Design, LLCThe strength of these region meetings has always been rooted in theThoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLCfact that members from across a region come together to explore, ex- Twin Discamine, and discuss common issues, many of which are unique to theirWater Taxi of Fort Lauderdale LLCareas. This allows PVA members to share knowledge and expertise that results in problem solving. The region meeting programs this year, asIf you have not attended a PVA Region Meeting, I strongly encourage in the past, promote open and frank discussions. Another strength ofyou to keep them in mind for next fall. I promise that you will not be our region meetings is that all PVA membersvessel and associates disappointed when you attend.freely contribute their thoughts and opinions. This creates a powerful exchange of information for all in attendance. We were particularly for- PVA/COAST GUARD QUALITY PARTNERSHIP MEETINGtunate to have had in attendance, and speaking, a variety of U.S. CoastPVA leaders and staff meet with Coast Guard leadership twice yearly Guard personnel, including admirals from numerous Coast Guard Dis- in what is called the PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership Meeting tricts. Coast Guard participation is extremely important as it promotes(QP). These meetings, which were originally chartered in 1996, play an broader understanding and serves to build strong relationships.extremely important role in bringing together PVA and Coast Guard leaders and staff to discuss issues in a non-regulatory environment. PVAs region chairpersons played an important role in organizing ourThis month, the fall QP was held in New London, Conn. following region meetings. Each step of the way they worked closely with PVAthe PVA Original Colonies Region Meeting. Rear Admiral Wayne Ar-staff to vet ideas for topics and contributed local knowledge and assis- guin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, traveled with staff tance in arranging social events. In addition, they took a hands-on ap- to New London to meet with PVA leaders and staff.proach to running each meeting. Many thanks to all of our PVA region chairpersons for their support and leadership.QP meeting agendas are very comprehensive and include on-going dis-cussion items, as well as new and emerging topics. Often, they include Thanks must also go to those PVA members who chose to sponsor onereports on work group progress on projects of mutual importance. The or more of our region meetings. The following is a list of these loyalfollowing are just a few of the agenda items discussed during this re-companies who went above and beyond as meeting sponsors: cent QP meeting:All American Marine, Inc.I mplementation of the PVA Alternative Security Program,BAE Systems 5th Revision Bay Ship & Yacht Co. Investigation Updates: MV Spirit of Norfolk andBell Power Systems MV Conception FiresBlock Island FerryInterstate NavigationUpdate on Illegal Passenger Vessel Operations and Enforcement Catalina Express Risk-based Inspections Update City Cruises by Hornblower Coast Guard Assistance with Streamlined Inspection Program Cross Sound Ferry (SIP) and Safety Management System ImplementationCummins Hull Plate Assessment Working Group Update Gateway Clipper Fleet Implementing New Fire Safety Regulations Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding Accepted Fire Detection and Watch SystemsGreat Lakes PowerPVA Participation in Coast Guard Marine Inspector Hone Heke Corporation: EXPEDITIONS Training ClassesInterstate Power Systems Update on Revision of Marine Event Permit Guidance Jet ExpressKohler As you can tell, the aforementioned topics touch upon issues of im-Mack Boring and Parts Company portance to all PVA members. The next PVA/Coast Guard Quality Marine Group Boat Works Partnership Meeting will be held in the spring. Miller Boat LineContinued on page 447 NOVEMBER 2022'