14
FOGHORN
The first showcase of the convention is always the opening 
general session when the Roger Murphy National Marine 
Safety Award and the Captain Elizabeth Gedney Passenger 
Vessel Safety Award are presented by the Safety and Secu-
rity Committee to two very deserving members who have 
exhibited extraordinary efforts in promoting and carrying 
out the culture of safety that our industry is known for. 
Tony Heeter, operations manager at Blue & Gold Fleet in 
San Francisco, was recognized with the Roger Murphy Na-
tional Marine Safety Award for his work in collaboration 
with local agencies and vessel operators to address growing 
whale activity in the area. His efforts led to new operation-
al protocols that balance the needs of vessel operators and 
enhanced protection for the wildlife, leading to increased 
safety for both marine life and the maritime industry. 
The Captain Elizabeth Gedney Passenger Vessel Safety 
Award was given to Captain Erin Daigle from Shoreline 
Sightseeing in Chicago. In June 2025, Daigle was assigned 
to the M/V Lickety Split when the call came in of a person 
in the river. Daigle spotted the man face down, exhausted, 
and attempting to tread water. Her training instantly took 
over as she maneuvered the vessel toward the man, deployed 
life-saving equipment, and contacted the Chicago Police 
Marine Unit. The man’s life was saved by the swift actions 
of Daigle and her crew. 
At the opening general session, MariTrends attendees 
were hosted to a treat as Kentucky Congressman Thomas 
Massie took the stage for a very refreshing and unique view 
of everything going on in Washington D.C. Representative 
Massie has always been a big supporter of the maritime 
community and has been a close family friend of mine and 
my family’s. He is and continues to be a major ally in Wash-
ington for our entire association. 
FOGHORN FOCUS

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