Alexandria, VA -- Retired Coast Guard Captain Eric Christensen has joined the Passenger Vessel Association staff as the Director of Regulatory Affairs and Risk Management. In this position he will he serve as a resource for PVA members regarding safety, security and environmental protection compliance issues and as the PVA staff liaison for the PVA Safety and Security Committee.
"We are thrilled that Eric is joining the PVA staff team," said PVA Executive Director John Groundwater in a PVA news release. "Eric is very familiar with the passenger vessel industry and with PVA member operations. This knowledge and experience will immediately enhance the service and benefits that our members receive."
Christensen is a 1987 graduate of California Maritime Academy, with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and maintains his Third Assistant Engineer's license for steam or motor vessels of unlimited horsepower (fifth issue). He also earned a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Maryland in 2004.
Prior to joining the PVA team, Christensen spent his 26-year Coast Guard career exclusively in the marine safety program. His field assignments included stints in San Francisco, Portland, Ore., Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., in a variety of leadership positions. He served most recently as the Coast Guard's Chief of the Traveling Inspection Staff to provide professional marine safety expertise and leadership to improve Coast Guard workforce proficiency and performance.
He also played an integral role in several crucial regulations including the development of the Final Rule for Small Passenger Vessel Inspection (Subchapters T and K), International Safety Management Code Compliance Policy for Small Passenger Vessels, and the Streamline Inspection Program.
Christensen is a published author and a recipient the 2007 David Clark Excellence in Editorial Award. He has spoken nationally on marine safety topics including the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends, the International WorkBoat Show, Rutgers University and the Coast Guard Academy.
Christensen can be reached at PVA headquarters at 1-800-807-8360 extension 26, on his cell at (703) 853-0003 or [email protected].
