Chairman Hersman Addresses the Passenger Vessel Association

Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman discussed lessons learned from accident investigations at the Passenger Vessel Association’s annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 7, 2011.

Addressing the association members, Hersman highlighted how the NTSB’s accident investigations have shown that an effective Safety Management System (SMS) is a strong tool in addressing safety deficiencies.  “SMS is not a one size-fits-all approach,” said Hersman.  “To be effective, a Safety Management System must be more than simply checking the box.  It much be tailored to your operations, and it must be used.”  Hersman also noted the safety benefits of fire detection and suppression systems and out-of-water survival gear.  She closed by recognizing the strong work of the PVA in improving the safety of today’s passenger vessel fleet.  Click here to see the Chairman's remarks. 

Chairman Hersman Speaks at ABA Forum on Air and Space Law

On February 23, 20001, the Chairman keynoted the American Bar Association’s annual Air and Space Law Symposium.  This event brings together many of the area’s leading aviation lawyers in both government and private practice.  The conference had a number of panels examining the safety issues that are confronting the aviation industry, including code sharing.  The Chairman discussed the NTSB’s Code Sharing Symposium held this past October and the increasing role of the NTSB in foreign aviation accidents.  While our work on international accidents is not as well known as domestic accident investigations, it is just as important to aviation safety.  Click here to read the speech. 

The Chairman also visited the ICAO in Montreal and visited with Florida transportaion safety leaders in Februay.