Sharing the Waterways - Challenges & Opportunities

Overview
Speaker(s)

Communities around the country are seeing an increase use of the waterways as options for public transit, growing commerce, entertainment, and recreation. With this increase it becomes more and more important to preserve the safe sharing of waterways. Communication, education, and continuous training are important components to maintain safe operations.

This session will feature presentations from captains of commercial passenger vessel operations to give local perspectives, in addition to the overarching challenges facing commercial mariners nationwide. This conversation will focus on building partnerships, and increasing communication between the commercial and recreational user communities.

Earnesto Coleman

Safety and Occupational Health Coordinator • Hornblower Cruises & Events

Earnesto N. Coleman is a 1600 Ton Master/OC, he currently holds a position as the Safety and Occupational Health Coordinator with Hornblower Crusies & Events in San Diego, CA.In this role, Earnesto leads a large team in the daily performance and adherence to safety regulations. He provides all aspects of safety, including education, training and coaching.

Earnesto is a big believer in Safety and Health in all industries. He supports a collaboration of management and all safety entities such as OSHA, (and all its components), NFPA, and continuously educates his teamto ensure they as well informed and kept abreast of all new requirements to meet all evolving safety guidelines.

Earnesto is a certified trainer of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Maritime Industry. He also holds a certification as an Occupational Specialist, and Construction Site Safety Supervisor. He has a Associate Degree in Occupational Safety and Health.

Jen Wilk (Moderator)

Director, Development and Public Affairs • Passenger Vessel Association

Jen Wilk is the Director of Public Affairs and Development at the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), the Alexandria, VA based national trade group representing owners and operators of all segments of the commercial U.S.-Flagged passenger vessel industry.She brings eleven (11) years of experience working to advance safety, security, and environmental stewardship for the passenger vessel industry. She serves as the Vice President for the Propeller Club of Washington DC and is an active member of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).Ms. Wilk earned a Master’s of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC.

Stephen Jones

Captain • Gateway Clipper Fleet

Stephen has worked at the Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh, PA since 1987. He currently holds the position of Captain/Operations. Stephen currently has a 1600 Ton Masters License/Inland Waters, and also holds a Master of Towing Vessels/Inland Waters and Western Rivers. Stephen has been an active member of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) through the Gateway Clipper Fleet since 2008. He is a member of the PVA Safety and Security Committee from 2008-2017 and played an active role in the development of “Flagship” which is a Safety Management System for members of the Passenger Vessel Association.

Stephen is currently the Chairperson of the PVA Rivers Region (2013), the Chairperson of the PVA Regulatory Committee (2018), and a member of the PVA Board of Directors (2018). Stephen also holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration/Finance from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA.