48
FOGHORN
T
his year’s Passenger Vessel As-
sociation Convention in Cov-
ington, Ky., was once again 
a gathering of friends and colleagues 
that did not disappoint. The annual 
meeting provides a one-of-a-kind 
opportunity to learn from and share 
experiences with others across the 
passenger vessel industry. MariTrends 
2026 was a substantive, engaging, and 
enjoyable gathering of vessel operators, 
shipbuilders, and industry partners.
The week began with an in-person 
meeting of the PVA Legislative Com-
mittee, held just prior to the official 
opening of the convention. The com-
mittee reviewed the significant policy 
work undertaken over the past six 
months, including a coalition sign-on 
letter to Health and Human Services 
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging 
enactment of long-delayed oral fluid 
testing as an alternative to urinalysis. 
Members also celebrated a major step 
forward in addressing illegal charter 
operations following a congressional-
ly directed study by the Government 
Accountability Office. Additionally, 
the committee discussed advocacy 
surrounding U.S. Coast Guard Aids 
to Navigation policy. Looking ahead, 
members considered issues likely to 
shape our work in 2026, including 
ferry funding in the upcoming sur-
face transportation reauthorization, 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Har-
bor Maintenance funding, maritime 
workforce development, and other 
emerging maritime policy initiatives. 
The discussion was thoughtful, prac-
tical, and forward-looking—exactly 
what we need as we prepare for PVA’s 
Congressional Fly-In on April 21.
The convention formally opened with 
a keynote address by U.S. Representa-
tive Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Rep-
resentative Massie, who serves on the 
House Transportation & Infrastruc-
ture Committee and represents the 
Covington area in Congress, delivered 
a lively and engaging address followed 
by an extended question-and-answer 
session with PVA members. His will-
ingness to take direct questions and 
engage substantively with operators 
was greatly appreciated. Representa-
tive Massie also spent time with PVA 
Board of Directors members prior to 
the keynote, underscoring the impor-
tance of maintaining strong relation-
ships with members of Congress.
RICHARD PATCH // LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
MariTrends 2026: Convention Recap
LEGISLATIVE
PHOTOS: SARAH FERRETTI

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