Features
Columns
8	
The True Value of MariTrends:  
Sharing, Networking,  
and Celebrations at  
a Successful Convention
	
A look back at four days of insightful 
educational sessions, a bustling exhibit hall, 
raucous horse races, and time  
connecting with friends old and new
20	 A Gathering on the River: 
Reflections from Cincinnati
	
A letter from BB Riverboats,  
hosts of the PVA Annual Convention  
at MariTrends 2026
22	 Speaking Truth to Power: 
Congressman Thomas Massie  
at MariTrends 2026
	
From his passion for serving the people 
to the importance of the Jones Act, 
Congressman Massie spoke candidly to 
MariTrends attendees
28	 We’re Here to Help: Former NTSB 
Member Todd Inman Shares Insights 
from a Distinguished Career
	
Advice for working with the NTSB 
and navigating together towards a safer 
transportation system
36	 Charting the Course: 
Advice for the Next Generation  
of Operators and Mariners
	
Three giants of the passenger vessel industry 
share sea stories and lessons learned from 
their decades of experience
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
48 	Legislative Report
50	 Safety Matters
53	 U.S. Coast Guard
54	 Newswire 
57	 Member News 
72	 Advertisers’ Index
 
  OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PASSENGER VESSEL ASSOCIATION
VOL. 25, NO. 2
MARCH 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
GENERAL COUNSEL 
Steven Bers, Whiteford, Taylor and Preston
EDITORIAL OFFICES 
Managing Editor: Sarah Ferretti 
sarah@passengervessel.com 
571-388-7752
About the Cover
Fireworks over the Ohio River were 
the perfect ending to the PVA Annual 
Convention at MariTrends 2026.   
Story on page 8. / Photo: Sarah Ferretti
Convention Review

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