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tained vessels (including out-of-water ß otation devices for ev- ery person on board and operational voyage data recorders), and adequate measures to address emergency situations. Although accidents on passenger vessels are relatively rare, the consequences can be catastrophic. The size and capacity of passenger vessels continues to increase. The time to address these safety issues is now. Some have criticized the NTSBÕs focus on this issue, calling it an assault on an already safe industry. A recent criticism published in MarineNews states passenger vessel accidents caused ÒonlyÓ 17 deaths in 2010. In response, alternatively, consider that same year from the perspective of the commercial aviation industry. In 2010, commercial aviation accidents caused zero deaths in the United States Ð just one of a four-year span without an airline fatality. Yet, the NTSB has every intention of continuing to em- phasize areas for improvement in commercial aviation. Safety requires vigilance, not complacency. In passenger vessel safety there is both room for improvement and a need for the NTSBÕs continued vigilance. The NTSBÕs Most Wanted List is an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in conversations about how we can work together to make vessels safer for passengers. Last month, the NTSB convened a 2-day forum, Cruise Ships: Examining Safety, Operations and Oversight, to review the regulatory and investigative framework under which cruise ships operate, ship design, Þ re protection, operations and corporate oversight of cruise ships, and more. We also ex- plored some recent high-proÞ le incidents. The goal of the forum was to learn more about the current state of cruise ship safety from industry stakeholders and regulators on behalf of the traveling public. We urge publications like MarineNews and safety-mind-ed executives throughout the passenger vessel industry to reexamine www.ntsb.gov/index.html It is a list of safety priorities all stakeholders can support in the interest of improving safety. The NTSB Most Want- ed list is available on the NTSBÕs website: www.ntsb.gov Earl F. Weener , Ph.D. took the oath of ofÞ ce as the 41st Member of the National Transportation Safety Board on June 30th, 2010. He was nominated by President Obama and conÞ rmed by the Senate for a term that expires December 31, 2015. Weener has an accomplished career in aviation as an engineering executive, safety advocate, industry safety spokesperson, engineer and pilot. Member Weener also has extensive marine experience. He obtained his U.S. Coast Guard MasterÕs License in 2000. Weener earned all three of his academic degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan - his bachelorÕs degree summa cum laude, masterÕs degree and doctorate. www.marinelink.com MN 25MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 25MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 255/20/2014 10:31:29 AM5/20/2014 10:31:29 AM
