A maritime recruitment firm with operations around the world is poised to conduct the search for a new Steamship Authority general manager.

On the maritime side, Mark Amundsen said his number one priority is to tackle the need for electric propulsion in future vessels.

A new Massachusetts law requiring safety training for all powerboat operators is being hailed by Island boaters and the first responders charged with their protection.

A unanimous vote by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Thursday has cleared the way for the town of Oak Bluffs to proceed with a long-sought plan to reinforce the eroding bluffs along East Chop Drive.

Starting immediately, Mark Amundsen is responsible for all aspects of the Steamship Authority’s marine and shoreside operations as well as the engineering department and communications center.

A new restaurant partnership is preparing to reinvent the long-vacant Golden Bull steakhouse in Vineyard Haven as a pair of casual eateries: MV Tap and Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine.

The Steamship Authority hasn’t ruled out an external search yet, but so far has only posted the role in-house with positive results, officials said.

The Martha’s Vineyard Commission opened a public hearing Thursday on a nearly-completed house in Vineyard Haven that has become a lightning rod for neighborhood opposition.

In March, the shelter moves to two churches in Edgartown — St. Andrew’s Church and the Federated Church of Martha’s Vineyard — each of which will host guests for several nights in a row.