Page 12: of Marine News Magazine (June 2014)

INSIGHTSWorking full-time with Donjon Marine Co., Inc. since 1982, John A. Witte, Jr. is currently Executive Vice Presi- dent. He oversees the day-to-day operations of Donjon?s Marine Salvage, Demolition, Marine Transportation, Div- ing, Heavy Lift and Shipbuilding Operations. Mr. Witte is also responsible for Donjon?s Regulatory Compliance Program for all marine related activities and has served as Salvage Master on numerous Donjon Salvage projects since 1982. A past President of the American Salvage As- sociation (ASA), Witte today serves as Vice President of the International Salvage Union (ISU). Beyond this, Witte served a seven-month tour of duty as the Civilian Project Manager for the Federal Salvage Response necessitated by Hurricanes Katrina/Rita in the U.S. Gulf in 2005, and re- cently served as the Project Manager for the dewatering of the tunnel and subways system located in lower Manhat- tan, NY which was necessitated by the impact of Hurri- cane Sandy. His experience is deep and his commitment to the business of salvage is undeniable. Listen in this month as he weighs in on all things ?salvage.? Tell us brieß y about the International Salvage Union. The International Salvage Union (ISU) is the global trade association representing marine salvors. Its mem- bers provide essential services to the world?s maritime and insurance communities. Members are engaged in marine casualty response, pollution defense, wreck removal, cargo recovery, towage and related activities. The membership of the ISU includes approximately 60 members and over 60 associate members, which represents the majority of the worldwide salvage capability. For the most part, if it?s newsworthy and salvage related, the odds are that an ISU member is involved. You currently serve as Vice President of the Interna- tional Salvage Union. Formerly, you served as Presi- dent of the American Salvage Association. Describe where the missions of these two organizations meet, and where they differ. The Focus of the ASA has always been more regional than the ISU. The ASA was started over 10 years ago in an John Witte Vice President, International Salvage UnionJune 201412 MNMN June14 Layout 1-17.indd 12MN June14 Layout 1-17.indd 125/20/2014 11:57:17 AM5/20/2014 11:57:17 AM