Passenger Vessel Association

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Passenger Vessel Association For years, PVA has represented the interests of the passenger vessel industry.

Our knowledgeable staff and dedicated volunteers have set in motion many of the positive initiatives that continue to help make the passenger vessel industry successful.

Nashville is calling! It’s time to register and finalize your plans. Join us in Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 8–10, for the PVA...
10/14/2026

Nashville is calling! It’s time to register and finalize your plans.

Join us in Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 8–10, for the PVA Rivers Region Meeting. Fellow operators, industry partners, and regulatory representatives will be in Nashville to examine operational challenges and discuss solutions and best practices.

The deadline to reserve your room in the PVA room block at Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is approaching fast. Be sure to reserve by Friday, Oct. 16, to take advantage of the special PVA group rate!

Don’t miss the opportunity to share your experience and expertise while also learning from peers and walking away with insights and advice you can take back to your team and put into action. And with a cruise on the schedule, it’s also the perfect time to kick back and relax with old friends and new colleagues, expanding your professional network and enjoy time out on the water.

We’ll see you in Nashville!

🗓️ Nov. 8–10
🎼 Nashville, Tenn.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4vq5tz3/lp/e0262858-553e-4498-9d41-f5eb3f371889

During a 2018 meeting, a PVA member raised a concern about hull pitting evaluation. What followed was a joint PVA/U.S. C...
10/13/2026

During a 2018 meeting, a PVA member raised a concern about hull pitting evaluation.

What followed was a joint PVA/U.S. Coast Guard working group and nearly seven years of advocacy, collaboration, and perseverance. That determination and hard work paid off with this year’s introduction of PVA’s Pitted Plate Assessment Tool (PPAT).

Available for free, this tool could benefit the entire passenger vessel industry by providing a new way to evaluate hull pitting and potentially avoid a costly, time-consuming plate replacement.

Learn about the tool in the latest issue of Foghorn and discover how to run an assessment before your next inspection.

https://foghornmagazine.com/past-issues/2026/0926_FH_flipbook/index.html?page=22

Twenty-five years ago, a crystal-clear day turned into one of the darkest days in America’s history. In the aftermath of...
10/12/2026

Twenty-five years ago, a crystal-clear day turned into one of the darkest days in America’s history.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, it was the dedication and generosity of people from across the region that made it possible for New York City to navigate back toward normalcy. Fire Island Ferries Inc. answered the call for aid and supported the city on its journey.

This September, they were recognized for their efforts and embraced the opportunity to teach younger generations how the maritime industry united to serve the community.

Read the latest issue of Foghorn to learn more about Fire Island Ferries’ remarkable story of service and the maritime industry coming together when it mattered most.

https://foghornmagazine.com/past-issues/2026/0926_FH_flipbook/index.html?page=40

Don’t miss your chance to join PVA in Chicago next week! Fellow passenger vessel operators, industry suppliers, and gove...
10/09/2026

Don’t miss your chance to join PVA in Chicago next week!

Fellow passenger vessel operators, industry suppliers, and government partners will be heading to Chicago, Oct. 14–16, to discuss the topics that are defining the industry.

It’s a chance to share your expertise and learn from peers who understand your business firsthand. The agenda is packed with sessions on timely issues and there are multiple social events and opportunities to connect with colleagues and expand your professional network.

The program includes a look at repower case studies, the latest food and beverage trends, a recap of a recent firefighting task force exercise, a U.S. Coast Guard update, and other topics that are core to operating in the Great Lakes region.

A meet the fleet event on Thursday night offers an up-close look at fellow PVA operator vessels. And be sure to plan time for a cruise (or two) on the river with special offers from local members.

Check out all the event details and register today!

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7s6c63s/lp/26196ee1-1f73-4dda-8ab8-87f4b8f913fe?source_id=53b18b74-b622-42cd-ad04-0f623f8cb31f&source_type=em&c=QFEyiCLqwlkWN-z5HFutElncefNwngu4aWJ25r4kRXAcWq2Is4DukA==

As passenger vessel operators look toward the future, choosing the right propulsion technology involves much more than e...
10/09/2026

As passenger vessel operators look toward the future, choosing the right propulsion technology involves much more than emissions alone.

Seamus Nolan of SWITCH Maritime takes a real-world look at diesel, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell ferries, examining the costs, infrastructure needs, and operational realities that can shape long-term fleet decisions.

Check out the latest issue of Foghorn to consider the data and which path may be right for your next build.

https://foghornmagazine.com/past-issues/2026/0926_FH_flipbook/index.html?page=32

10/08/2026

Introducing the new PVA Industry Excellence and Innovation Award

Great ideas are happening every day across the passenger vessel industry, and it's time to recognize the people making them happen.

PVA is excited to introduce the Industry Excellence and Innovation Award, celebrating individuals, teams, and companies whose ideas, achievements, and initiatives are making a meaningful impact and moving our industry forward.

From new technologies and operational improvements to creative solutions, workforce initiatives, enhanced passenger experiences, and more—we want to hear the stories worth celebrating.

🏆 Nominations are now open
📅 Deadline: Nov. 30, 2026

Learn more about the new award, eligibility, criteria, and how to submit a nomination at the link below.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/7ZEeapo/industryaward

Over 80 percent of marine accidents are not caused by equipment failure. Nor by bad weather. Nor by mechanical breakdown...
10/07/2026

Over 80 percent of marine accidents are not caused by equipment failure. Nor by bad weather. Nor by mechanical breakdown.

Most accidents are caused or influenced by human and organizational factors. People, the decisions they make, and the culture they create are where safety begins.

In this month’s Foghorn, Rhiannon Silvashy of Vessel Vanguard looks at how operators can layer technology onto the foundation of a well-run operation to improve efficiency, safety, and longevity. This is one article you don’t want to miss.

https://foghornmagazine.com/past-issues/2026/0926_FH_flipbook/index.html?page=16

The Great Lakes Region Salutes the U.S. Coast Guard. Hosted by the Coast Guard Foundation and City Cruises, this special...
10/06/2026

The Great Lakes Region Salutes the U.S. Coast Guard.

Hosted by the Coast Guard Foundation and City Cruises, this special evening takes place Friday, Oct. 16, from 5–8 p.m. aboard the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier.

This evening includes a cruise, dinner, dancing, silent auction, and raffles—all while coming together to salute and support the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.

🎟️ Tickets are $100 per person, with a cash bar available.

If you’re extending your time in Chicago after the Great Lakes Region Meeting, consider adding this event to your plans!

Purchase your ticket today:
https://coastguardfoundation.org/events/chicago-maritime-salutes-the-coast-guard

The Original Colonies Region Meeting program is coming together, with great sessions, industry conversations, and plenty...
10/05/2026

The Original Colonies Region Meeting program is coming together, with great sessions, industry conversations, and plenty of opportunities to connect along the way—but one important deadline is coming up quickly.

The hotel cut-off is approaching!

The PVA Original Colonies Region Meeting is headed to Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 4- 6, and the deadline to reserve your room at the special PVA group rate is Friday, Oct. 9.

🏨 Hotel Cut-Off: Oct.9
📍 Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront

Don’t wait until the program is finalized to make your plans. Register for the meeting and reserve your room now so you’re ready to join fellow PVA members in Wilmington.

Learn more, register, and book your hotel: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bxnvuxg/lp/24fd0b53-63eb-48ff-99f8-e4b4ec12416b

Photo: Charleston Harbor Tours

The Western Region Meeting program is LIVE, and the hotel deadline has been extended!We’re heading to the Hilton Waikolo...
10/02/2026

The Western Region Meeting program is LIVE, and the hotel deadline has been extended!

We’re heading to the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii, Oc. 21–23, and the agenda is packed with timely conversations, practical takeaways, and opportunities to connect with fellow PVA members.

Good news if you haven’t made your travel plans yet—the hotel reservation deadline has been extended through Monday, Oct. 5!

A few highlights on the program include:

• Reducing Risk: Ways to Implement Your Safety Culture with Colleen Stephens and Tosca Pinder

• Important Changes to Coast Guard Guidance on Steel Repair with Travis Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard

Check out the full program, reserve your room, and register to join us in Hawaii. There’s still time to be part of the Western Region Meeting!

Register now and view the program: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/nb9kfyt/lp/cdfd1ee1-ba7e-4fd3-a7a6-e13582ed5caa?source_id=53b18b74-b622-42cd-ad04-0f623f8cb31f&source_type=em&c=QFEyiCLqwlkWN-z5HFutElncefNwngu4aWJ25r4kRXAcWq2Is4DukA==

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103 Oronoco Street Suite 200
Woodbridge, VA
22314

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