Goben Named First PVA Safety Award Recipient

Captain Richard Goben, Hornblower Events & Cruises, San Diego, CA has been awarded the Passenger Vessel Association and the Passenger Vessel Foundation’s first recipient of the Roger Murphy National Marine Safety Award. He was nominated by his employer, California-based Hornblower Events & Cruises. Goben was chosen over several other, well-qualified candidates by PVA's Safety & Security Committee. Ray Lyman, Chairman of the Safety Committee, believes that Goben's met all the qualifications the committee was looking for, and more importantly, "represents the attitude and commitment to safety that was the basis of Roger's philosophy when he founded the safety committee in 1990." The award is named after the late Roger Murphy, former President and Board Member of the Passenger Vessel Association and the founder and long time chair of the Safety Committee. The selection was based on Goben's continued demonstration of his long-term commitment and involvement to marine safety for his company, his community and the passenger vessel industry. He has written, trained and directed safety programs for all vessel captains and officers, teaches all company personnel in CPR/ first aid and drug and substance abuse programs, while overseeing his company's safety recognition programs. He also inaugurated his company's Streamlined Inspection Program. For his community, Goben serves on the San Diego Harbor Safety Committee and has initiated and conducted joint safety drills with outside agencies and participated in USCG "PREP" oil spill drills. He instituted safety programs and training aboard the historical sailing ship "Star of India", which is the world's oldest active sailing ship, and the steam yacht "Medea". He is the 2001 recipient of the Gold Key Award from San Diego's Hotel/Motel Association for his industry contribution and community involvement on behalf of Hornblower to area tourism. He has also earned the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Naval Order of the United States for his exceptional training and safety efforts. Goben also teaches sailing and has written several articles regarding safety for Sail, Sea and other magazines. Captain Goben was issued his first Coast Guard license in 1978 and presently has a 500 Ton Ocean Masters License. He has worked for Hornblower since1990. He, and wife Carolyn, have been married for 16 years and he has lived in San Diego since1972.