Page 12: of Marine News Magazine (May 2014)

11 13

INSIGHTS

When the OSVDPA held its fi rst board meeting in

March, it began charting the course toward a new dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certifi cate especially designed for the offshore service vessel industry. As the Executive

Director for the newly created Offshore Supply Vessel Dy- namic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA), Aaron Smith is charged with managing the day-to-day operation of the

Authority. Along with the OSVDPA Board of Directors and Technical Advisory Council (TAC), Aaron is current- ly crafting the Authority’s dynamic positioning operator (DPO) certifi cation program and ensuring this program is accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the offshore energy industry, and our international counterparts. Prior to join- ing OSVDPA, Aaron was the Deputy Chief of Staff and

Legislative Director for Congressman Jeff Landry (LA-03).

In this role, Aaron was responsible for developing strate- gies to turn the Congressman’s vision into legislative vic- tories. In addition to assisting with the Coast Guard and

Maritime Transportation Act of 2012, Aaron also drafted and secured House-passage of legislation increasing Louisi- ana’s share of offshore royalties and ensuring offshore wind farms must comply with the Jones Act. Prior to joining

Congressman Landry’s offi ce, Aaron served in similar ca- pacities for former Congressmen Kenny Hulshof (MO-09) and Henry Brown (SC-01) as well as current Congressman

Aaron Schock (IL-18). Based in Metairie, Louisiana, he remains both geographically and strategically close to the constituency that he serves today.

Incorporated as a non-profi t, the OSVDPA is seeking to improve the safety of the maritime industry by improving the quality and quantity of certifi ed DPOs. Beyond this, the Authority will provide a certifi cation pathway to those currently excluded or discouraged from gaining a certifi - cate. Listen in this month as OSVDPA’s Smith plots a new, more inclusive and safer path for offshore oil & gas service providers.

Aaron C. Smith

Executive Director

Offshore Supply Vessel Dynamic

Positioning Authority (OSVDPA)

May 2014 12 MN

MN May14 Layout 1-17.indd 12 4/21/2014 10:39:24 AM