Features Columns 8 Utilizing Technology to Elevate the Guest Experience Harness tech for a seamless system from before a passenger steps onboard to when the reach their final destination. 16 Eighty Percent of Marine Accidents Are Human: Here’s Where Technology Actually Fits Discover how tools strengthen the infrastructure of a well-run operation. 22 From Problem to Solution: PVA’s Pitted Plate Assessment Tool is now Open for Everyone Explore a new way to evaluate hull pitting and possibly avoid a costly and time-consuming plate replacement. 32 Decarbonization: A Real-World Cost Analysis of Diesel, Hydrogen, and Battery-Powered Ferries A practical illustration of different propulsion systems and where each fits into the maritime ecosystem. 40 Moving Through the Extraordinary: Fire Island Ferries Helped a City Recover The operator answered the call to support New York’s journey back to normal. 46 Raising the Bar: Behind the Creation of the PVA Safety Video Series An ambitious project by members to raise safety standards across the industry. Foghorn is published monthly, except combined January/February, by the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), 103 Oronoco Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, Va., 22314 Send address changes to Foghorn at pvainfo@passengervessel.com. Copyright 2026 by the Passenger Vessel Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the Passenger Vessel Association. PASSENGER VESSEL ASSOCIATION PVAINFO@PASSENGERVESSEL.COM • PHONE: 703-518-5005 4 Letter From the President 7 Letter From the Executive Director 52 Legislative Report 54 Safety Matters 57 U.S. Coast Guard 58 Newswire 59 Member News 72 Advertisers’ Index OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PASSENGER VESSEL ASSOCIATION VOL. 25, NO. 8 SEPTEMBER 2026 PRESIDENT Andrew Sargis, Wendella Sightseeing Boats, Chicago, Ill. VICE PRESIDENT John Lake, Hornblower, Alexandria, Va. SECRETARY/TREASURER Ben Bernstein, BB Riverboats, Newport, Ky. BOARD MEMBERS Chris Anglin, Cross Sound Ferry, New London, Conn. Erik Bombard, Catalina Express, San Pedro, Calif. Jenna Deegan-Brown, Grand Lady Cruises, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y. Jenny Gezella, Naples Princess, Naples, Fla. Carol Hill, Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Key West, Fla. Christian Myers, Interstate Navigation Company, Wakefield, R.I. Sarah Pennington, Classic Harbor Line, New York, N.Y. Tim Ratcliffe, Argosy Cruises, Seattle, Wash. Hannah Wirginis Roth, Gateway Clipper Fleet Pittsburgh, Pa. ASSOCIATE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES Peter Duclos, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Somerset, Mass. Tosca Pinder, USI Insurance Services, Seattle, Wash. PVA PAST PRESIDENTS Jim Swindler, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, San Francisco, Calif. Patrick Murphy, Blue and Gold Fleet, San Francisco, Calif. Steve Jones, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Pittsburgh, Pa. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John R. Groundwater SENIOR LEGISLATIVE ADVISOR Edmund Welch LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Richard Patch REGULATORY AFFAIRS CONSULTANT Peter Lauridsen DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Leslie Kagarise DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS AND RISK MANAGEMENT Eric Christensen PVA SENIOR REGULATORY AND PROGRAMS ADVISOR Lee Boone GENERAL COUNSEL Steven Bers, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston EDITORIAL OFFICES Managing Editor: Sarah Ferretti sarah@passengervessel.com 571-388-7752 About the Cover With data from active operations, learn about different propulsion system options for operations to lower emissions and future proof the country’s fleets. Story on page 32. / Photo: SWITCH Maritime LLC Technology
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