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Insights focusing on cleaner operations, waste reduction, and en- provides an important channel through which the leaders ergy ef? ciency. The program provides resources and guide- of our two organizations can communicate and work to lines to help companies employ best practices in pollution explore and resolve issues before they become major prob- prevention, waste management, and energy conservation. lems. It establishes a forum that promotes frank and open

Through the Green Waters Program, PVA members discussions and that ensures that all parties are fully aware gain access to industry-speci? c tools, share knowledge, and of the facts prior to any independent decision-making. collaborate on innovative solutions to environmental chal- In recent years, numerous working groups, comprised of lenges. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of industry and Coast Guard experts, have been formed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel ef? - work on speci? c problems. These working groups have pro- ciency, aligning the passenger vessel industry with broader duced excellent work products, guidelines, and tools that global sustainability goals. By joining the program, mem- have been used to address a variety of non-regulatory needs. bers demonstrate their commitment to protecting marine Some of the working group projects have included new ? re ecosystems while fostering a culture of environmental load calculations, hull plate assessment tools, ? re safety stewardship across the industry. Currently, there are nearly standards, and guidelines for reducing slips, trips, and falls.

500 PVA member vessels participating in the Green Wa- ters program and the list continues to grow. Illegal charters impact the waterfront and PVA members in many ways. Competing with opera-

PVA has touted its PVA/USCG quality partner- tors who run under the radar is not only a ? nan- ships in the past. Describe these partnerships, cial challenge, but their presence on the water what they focus on, and how they add value for undercuts safety and so many other best practic-

PVA stakeholders. es for compliant operators. The Coast Guard has

The PVA/Coast Guard Quality Partnership Meeting is a long sought to end the practice. How are they do- long-standing forum where senior PVA and Coast Guard ing in your opinion? Could more be done?

leaders meet twice a year to discuss issues of mutual con- Much work has been done over the years in combating cern in a non-regulatory environment. Chartered in 1996, illegal charters and both PVA and the Coast Guard can the partnership is actually quite revolutionary in that it take credit for a great deal of forward progress in this area.

PVA 16 | MN January 2025