The author discusses the need for risk assessment and risk management from the perspective of those who actively participate in the marine transportation industry. He states that while it is impossible to completely eliminate operating risk, and while the expectations of customers and the general public are more demanding than ever, by using risk assessments and by applying sound risk management principles as part of an overall company-wide quality management system, we place ourselves in a "proactive" position by identifying hazards and introducing preventive and/or mitigating steps. In his comments, the author cites definitions of risk assessment and risk management, shows by example how the company he represents integrates risk management and risk assessments in daily work activities, and closes by sharing what he considers to be important factors in conducting a risk assessment from an end user's point of view.