b'AtthisyearsPVAAnnualConventionatMariTrendsNoah Wisnock. During the entry to the lock, slightly past FOGHORN FOCUS 2025, Captain Eric Sirbaugh with Gateway Clipper Fleetthelowergates,BrownandSirbaughwereoutsidethe washonoredwiththeCaptainElizabethGedneyPas- rail on the bow apron preparing to lock through. While senger Vessel Safety Award. Created by the PVA Safetyattempting to catch the hook being dropped by the lock andSecurityCommitteeandsponsoredbythePassen- operator, Brown suffered a medical emergency, lost con-ger Vessel Foundation, this award is named in honor ofsciousness, and subsequently fell off the bow into the lock Capt. Elizabeth Beth Gedney, who was PVAs directorchamber. As we were getting ready to tie the boat up, I of safety, security, and risk management for many years.heardasplash,Sirbaughsaid.InitiallyIdidntthink It is presented to recognize actions by a PVA vessel mem- much about it until I turned around and the deckhand ber and their employees which, through safety training,[Brown] that was calling the boat into the lock was gone.seamanship, and dedication to the best standards of the passenger vessel industry, have resulted in a significant,He didnt see Brown on the other side of the vessel and positive outcome. More simply, actions taken in responsebegan looking around for him, as well as at passengers to a crisis or emergency resulting in a substantial and pos- onthebowwhohadbeenwatchingthelockprocess. sibly lifesaving impact.They told me, without saying a word, that he fell in, Sirbaugh explained. He immediately notified the captain On that September night in Pittsburgh, the crew on theof the man overboard situation and that he did not have Empress was Captain Steve Jones, master of the Empress;eyes on Brown. Jones began to slowly back the boat up Captain Sirbaugh acting as senior deckhand; senior deck- and Brown popped out from under the bow. He was face hands Kirk Brown and Sean Henderson; and deckhanddown and not moving. 2025 PVA CONGRESSIONAL FLY-INTUESDAY | APRIL 29 Shape the Future of Our IndustryPVA Fly-ins have a record of success in advancing the visibility and goals of the passenger vessel industry. Your participation ensures that the voices of passenger vessel operators are heard in discussions on policy, regulations, and industry standards.Register TodayFOGHORN 26'