NEWS!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Saturday, January 1st, 2011
Papo Greatly Reduces Annual Application Fees for 2011!
In an effort to reduce member operating expense, PAPO lowers ALL application fees. For more information on pricing, please click "Join PAPO" at the top of the page and choose the applicable link(s) for your company.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Attention All Florida Operators!
Important Legislative development regarding release of liability waivers in the state of Florida. Please review the following documents and contact your regional state representative immediately!
PAPO Member Call to Action
Legislative Details
Proposed SB 2440
PAPO Supported HB 285
Please use the following links to locate your regional Florida State Senator and/or Representative.
Senate Districts
Regional Representatives
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Friday, February 26th, 2010
New FAA Developement!
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced yesterday that they will soon require all U.S. parasail operators to file a 7711 Certificate of Waiver form regardless of their proximity to an airport. For details and more information please contact:
Eastern Regional Operators;
Regional FAA Representative Peter Acevedo at e-mail peter.k.acevedo@faa.gov or at phone number 404.305.5598.
Western Regional Operators;
Regional FAA Administrative Support at e-mail
9-ATO-WSA-OSG-Correspondence-Inbox@faa.gov or at phone number 425.203.4500.
Please use the following links for inquiries on applicable FAA regulations and the required Certificate of Waiver form 7711.
FAA Regulations 101.1-101.17
Certificate of Waiver Form 7711
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
USCG Marine Safety Alert!
In response to the tragic North Carolina accident the United States Coast Guard recently issued a national Marine Safety Alert directed toward commercial parasail operators. Please access the following link to review this important document.
USCG Marine Safety Alert
It is important for our industry to learn from this tragedy and to continue to work with USCG and other officials in an effort to establish best practices and preventative measures related to public safety.
Attention South Carolina Operators!
Please be advised that the FAA and USCG have released the 2010 annual meeting information.
Please use the link provided below to review and download the meeting information. Please also be advised that the meeting is of a mandatory nature for all regional parasail operators. Please direct any questions toward the applicable officials provided in the announcement.
FAA Meeting Letter 2010
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
April 22, 2008
NEW OSAG AMENDMENTS!
The board of directors, today unanimously voted to amend several operating standards and guidelines (OSAG). The newly amended guidelines shall supersede the previous version and will become effective immediately.
As of this date, all members will be required to operate within the parameters of the new guidelines. All members are asked to immediately review the new guidelines by using the applicable links below.
A complete, updated version of the OSAG will be available for download shortly, until this time, please review and familiarize yourselves, your staff and your crewmembers with all of the updated guideline information.
The following operating standards and guidelines have been amended.
OSAG -03 Operator Classifications
Re-introduces class two designator.
View new guideline
OSAG-15 Minimum age requirements
Requires that all participants be a minimum age of six to participate in parasail activities, also limits operational line length to 300’ for unaccompanied children under the age of twelve.
View new guideline
OSAG-16 Multiple Passenger Flights
Updated guidelines allow for multi-passenger flight operations involving up to three participants. Also introduces new minimum experience requirements and flight gear inspection guidelines.
View new guideline
OSAG-25 Recognized Winch boats
Recognizes newly added USCG inspected parasail vessel.
View new guideline
OSAG-40. MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS.
Newly added OSAG which requires all member operators to maintain a valid insurance policy, written through an approved carrier that also meets minimum rating requirements.
View new guideline
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact the administrator.
For insurance related questions, please contact your agent or broker.
USCG hosts Parasail Safety Workshop in Florida!
In an effort to sustain the positive benefits gained in Parasail Safety, the USCG is hosting a Parasail Safety Workshop to discuss the examination program and industry standards. In attendance will be parasail vendors, mariners, insurers, adjusters and industry professionals.
The workshop will be held at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg (close to St. Pete Beach) on April 11, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
PAPO strongly encourages all operators to attend this exciting event.
Please confirm your attendance by contacting:
Robert S. Butts
Senior Investigating Officer
United States Coast Guard
Sector St. Petersburg
Prevention Department
155 Columbia Drive
Tampa, FL. 33606-3598
office: 813.228.2191 x8150
cell: 813.918.4971
fax: 813. 228.2399
Triples Insurance Now Offered!
First Flight Insurance Group announced Friday that it will soon offer coverage for operators who fly up to three passengers. However, operators must qualify
and adhere to new OSAG for multi-passenger flight operations. The new guidelines will be announced next week, they are expected to be similar to that of the current multi-passenger flight guidelines, but with some minimum age restrictions, and minimum crewmember experience requirements.
Member Advisory!
The issue of PAPO member companies advertising flight services which violate operating standards and guidelines, as well as insurance operations endorsements, has become a serious concern for underwriters who, in the past, have exercised patience with regard to this issue, however many operators have in the past agreed to correct such issues and have failed to do so, therefore correction has now become mandatory and policy cancellation is possible for those companies who do not comply.
To avoid possible cancellation, PAPO strongly advises all members who currently advertise flight services which violate guidelines; such as flight height, triples or other services that do not currently comply, to immediately take corrective action by adjusting all advertising to reflect a more accurate and direct representation of services offered, this should include all print and web based media.
Florida Tragedy!
The PAPO mission of success through public safety is now more important than ever, as we all grieve over the tragic accident involving young Amber White.
This tragic and heartbreaking accident is a devastating reminder of the awesome responsibility operators have and how very important it is to follow sensible guidelines.
As operators we all have an important obligation to do absolutely everything in our power to prevent this type of tragedy from happening in the future and as a safety first organization we will.
PAPO members must get involved in the development of new Florida Laws...
Florida law makers seek new legislation for parasailing regulations in Florida as a result of the recent tragic accident in Pompano Beach.
PAPO members are asked to review and then comment on the proposed bill (SB0406) you can view the bill by using the following link: Link to bill
All PAPO members will soon receive an on-line poll via email, the poll will contain actual verbiage included in the new bill. We request that all members participate in this poll. The data collected may aid us in our efforts to be included in the legislative process, as we attempt to develop and support sensible and balanced legislation.
It is imperative to our future that we are successful in convincing Florida law makers to consider our industry's input before passing new legislation that will eventually effect our industry on a national level.
Only together, as a united group of professionals can we accomplish this important objective.
PAPO Update..
New Benefits for 2008
A new program designed to reward PAPO members is expected to be introduced by FFIG in early 2008
First Flight Insurance Group has agreed to consider a new PAPO proposed program designed to enhance membership benefits by offering premium savings to preferred members.
The new program will offer insurance premium discounts to qualified companies who have been active PAPO members, in good standing for a minimum period of 36 consecutive months, and who have no history of loss during this time period. For more information contact your broker or agent.
New PAPO Membership Level
In 2008 PAPO plans to introduce a new rank to the current Standard Level Membership.
The new rank will be classified as a Gold Level Membership and will be used to identify members who meet specific criteria; such as membership status, OSAG violation history, safety performance, the use of designated crew members, as well as deploying the use of specific equipment and participation in a manufacturer sponsored equipment inspection program.
The new rank will also be used to help qualify members for lower insurance premiums and preferred vendor status classifications in the future.
New PAPO Member Communications Plan
Soon PAPO will roll out a new program designed to improve communications with our members. Communications have long been a week link in our program; therefore we have established a new plan using software intended to enhance member communications. All active members will soon receive email correspondence directing them to update crucial contact information to insure they will be included in the program.
This plan is designed to keep members abreast of new industry developments, news and benefit offerings; the plan will also include a periodic e-news letter and requests for member input regarding key industry issues through the use of on-line surveys.
Triples now under consideration by insurance underwriters.
The issue of multi-passenger flight operations, specifically related to three participants is currently being discussed and considered by First Flight Insurance Group and underwriters. FFIG is considering the possibility of offering triples coverage to qualified members seeking it. However, operators would be required to follow new guidelines which would place certain restrictions on conducting flights involving three participants. A decision whether or not to offer the coverage is expected soon.
New PAPO PR Campaign Planed
PAPO is currently working with a Public Relations consultant located in Florida to assist as liaison between PAPO, government officials, law makers and media outlets, in an effort to enhance both the government and the public’s knowledge of our organization and the potential benefits that come with selecting a PAPO member company to provide parasailing activities.
It is also our intention to bolster our industries image while educating the public regarding parasailing’s overall long term safety history and the efforts we are currently making to improve public safety.
UNAUTHORIZED WATER CRAFT INSURER ORDERED TO STOP FLORIDA OPERATIONS...
The Florida Depart of Financial Services cracks down on unauthorized insurance company, click here for more.
|
