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enable it to conduct a full scale salvage operation if one had arisen. Those days are behind us with the new regulations. Each responder now is held accountable for their planning, their resources and their ability to react to a serious salvage incident. Vetting processes have been developed and are underway. Drills are now established (although some additional detailed requirements are still being developed) leading to the exposure of not only strengths but weaknesses within the salvage community that can now be addressed and improved upon. As with other regulations, they are work in progress. Each step is seen as an improvement in the salvage response capability within the US and that, in the end, is the true goal. In what areas are you going to fo- cus on for growth in this year and beyond? The standard procedure for almost all serious salvage operations is now to remove the threat of pollution whether the vessel is transporting an OPA 90 related cargo or is carrying only bunkers. In this regard we are closely monitoring the upcoming non-tank regulations and looking forward to expanding our client base extensively. Anticipating that once released the new non-tanker regulations will mirror most aspects of the present day SMFF regulations pertaining to tank vessels, we are encouraging present day non-tanker vessel owners to act proactively in the administrative process and enroll their vessels now instead of later. Tell us about Donjon-SMIT?s joint venture partners and what they each bring to Donjon-SMIT. Both partners are truly dedicated to the onward success of the Donjon- SMIT joint venture, bringing unique but at the same time complementary assets to the venture. Lifelong competition has been put aside in a spirit of cooperation in order for DJS to reach its goal of providing the very best in emergency response services. Has the tragedy of the Concordia focused attention on professional marine salvage in the right ways? The tragedy itself correctly illustrated the readiness, dedication and perseverance of the rescue responders in a potentially very dangerous circumstance. We hold the deepest respect for those dedicated to saving the lives of so many people that night. The salvage operation itself is www.marinelink.com MN 33MNNov2012 Layout 32-49.indd 33MNNov2012 Layout 32-49.indd 3311/6/2012 3:12:52 PM11/6/2012 3:12:52 PM