Page 20: of Marine News Magazine (June 2017)

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COLUMN OP/ED ment a collaborative relationship with federal agencies, Private industry provides a critical component in meet- most notably the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Bu- ing the increasing challenge of environmental protec- reau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), tion, environmental restoration, and homeland security

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and public safety response operations. One thing is for (NOAA), United States Environmental Protection Agen- certain: Although our Association has been a constant cy (USEPA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety presence in the spill community since 1973, we learned

Administration (PHMSA). We seek out common ground long ago that if you don’t evolve with the changing times, and practical conversations to build appropriate relation- market conditions and regulatory changes, then you won’t ships and expectations with the regulatory community. survive. We spend a lot of time with our Members seeking • Advocacy of Progressive Policies and Regulations: input on how we can best adjust to changing conditions,

SCAA is purposeful in the promotion of advancements so that we provide a greater value. SCAA and its members in response technology and appropriate regulations that are committed and stand ready to serve, and we encour- further prepare our industry to respond to our nations’ age you to collaborate with us in providing a secure and emergencies. We believe that forward leaning ideas pro- prepared future.

vide continual improvements within the response re- gime for our industry.

In addition, SCAA encourages further professional develop-

Devon Grennan is Presi- ment of our response industry through the following efforts: dent and CEO of Global • Best Practices for Responder Health and Safety:

Diving & Salvage, Inc., a

SCAA promotes sharing of best practices within our marine services industry membership through our Health and Safety Committee provider specializing in to ensure that our response organizations are providing marine casualty response, subsea construction and com- the best protective approach for our response employees. mercial diving. Grennan joined Global in 1995 where

We acknowledge that our personnel are the foundation he has held a number of roles, including Marine Envi- of our industry, and their safety is the most critical com- ronmental Supervisor, Environmental Division Manager ponent to responding to emergencies.

and General Manager. He has been in his current role • Responder Immunity: SCAA continues to promote since 2009. Grennan is a member of several regional and speci