Description forthcoming.

The use of alternative fuels and new energy sources is expanding across the maritime industry not only in propulsion systems but also in everyday onboard equipment, tools and personal devices. From lithium-ion batteries to other emerging energy technologies, these power sources are becoming increasingly common in daily vessel operations. This panel will examine the safety challenges associated with these evolving technologies, with a focus on risks that crews and operators may encounter in routine operations. Panelists will discuss practical considerations for managing hazards tied to battery-powered tools, auxiliary equipment and personal electronics carried aboard vessels.

The conversation will emphasize real-world risk management strategies, including safe handling practices, storage considerations, fire and incident response, and the importance of workforce awareness and training.

As newly constructed towing vessels continue to enter service under Subchapter M, the transition from shipyard delivery to operational handover remains one of the most complex—and least discussed—phases of the process. This panel brings together perspectives from across the lifecycle of a new construction vessel, including the shipyard, professional engineer, surveyor and managing operator, to examine what it takes to move from concept to construction and certificate of inspection (COI) issuance and into active service under the towing safety management system (TSMS) option.

Panelists will walk through the key stages of a new construction project, from early planning and coordination through inspection, testing, and COI issuance, focusing on where breakdowns most often occur and how they can be avoided. The discussion will highlight coordination challenges, differing Coast Guard expectations and practical considerations when transitioning from delivery to operations.

Attendees will gain practical insight into roles, responsibilities and best practices to support a smoother transition from concept to COI. This session is designed for operators, surveyors and shipyard personnel seeking a clearer understanding of how to navigate new construction under the TSMS option.

In 2026, a wave of studies and reports—issued by both public agencies and private organizations—has taken a deep dive into the most pressing issues facing inland marine transportation. What do they really tell us?

This session distills the key findings and explores proposed solutions on topics ranging from cost overruns and construction delays at locks and dams to the waterways’ critical role in the future of American agriculture, the administration’s Maritime Action Plan and the Mississippi River’s national significance, among others.

Together, these reports point to one clear conclusion: our industry must remain united in educating and advocating with elected officials who make the funding and authorization decisions that shape the future of our waterways.

As recreational boating activity continues to grow, shared waterways are becoming more congested and complex. This session will examine how the commercial maritime industry, recreational boating community, manufacturers and safety organizations can work together to reduce risk and prevent incidents between recreational and commercial vessels. The conversation will outline how education, vessel design, outreach and targeted messaging can improve awareness and reduce conflicts on shared waterways.

Medical events on board vessels are among the most disruptive and costly operational and safety challenges facing the inland marine industry. Operators must balance crew health, vessel safety, regulatory compliance and operational continuity—often while operating in remote environments with limited clinical resources.

This collaborative panel will explore best practices for managing onboard medical events, combining insights from more than 10,000 real-world telemedical vessel encounters alongside perspectives from marine safety leaders, fleet operations professionals and maritime medical experts.

The discussion will focus on practical, field-tested strategies operators can implement to improve safety outcomes, support crew wellbeing and reduce unnecessary operational disruptions.

Among the many provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted in 2025, one of particular importance to the inland waterways is the restoration of the 100% first-year depreciation deduction, commonly referred to as bonus depreciation. This has caused some to question the usefulness of the tax deferral provided by the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) program administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The panel will discuss how the CCF program and bonus depreciation can both play a role in financing the construction of new vessels and capital improvements to existing vessels.

New U.S. Coast Guard cybersecurity compliance requirements are now in effect for U.S.-flagged vessels. For many operators, particularly small and mid-sized fleets, the rules raise practical questions about how to translate complex information technology (IT), regulatory and audit requirements into everyday vessel operations. Many companies are navigating these expectations without dedicated cybersecurity staff or extensive IT resources.

The conversation will focus on practical guidance to help operators understand what the requirements mean in operational terms and how to approach compliance in a manageable way. Topics will include:

• What the U.S. Coast Guard is looking for during cybersecurity audits, including common areas of risk and exposure
• Which actions operators should prioritize now and which elements may be implemented over time
• How cybersecurity awareness and compliance practices can be incorporated into daily vessel and shoreside operations without creating unnecessary burden for crews
• How effective shoreside IT support and thoughtful system design can simplify monitoring, reporting, incident response and ongoing compliance

With the rule now in effect and phased compliance deadlines approaching, the topic is increasingly relevant for vessel operators. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how compliant systems and processes can help IT teams interpret requirements, establish practical next steps and strengthen overall cybersecurity reliability across the organization.

Description forthcoming.

Workforce development is one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges, but building the next generation requires collaboration across industry, education and students themselves.

This panel brings together Board Members, Advisory Council leaders, a Career and Technical Education educator and Junior Advisory Council members, representing both the current industry and those preparing to enter it. Together, they will share insights on connecting students with meaningful maritime careers and strengthening the workforce pipeline.

Panelists will explore:

• What students and early-career professionals are seeking in maritime careers
• How educators are preparing students for industry opportunities
• Gaps between industry needs and workforce readiness
• Practical ways companies can support education and career awareness
• The impact of mentorship, hands-on engagement, and early exposure on career decisions

Attendees will leave with practical ideas to better engage future talent, strengthen workforce pipelines and foster meaningful connections between industry, educators and the next generation of maritime professionals.

The U.S. inland marine industry faces a pivotal moment: a barge retirement cliff, constrained newbuilds amid elevated steel prices and labor challenges, persistent tariffs/global economic pressures on key commodity flows (feed, fuel, fiber) and renewed investment in inland port infrastructure. Current realities, emerging opportunities/roadblocks and longer-term unseen factors color this panel as it convenes leaders from liquid and dry barge operations, shippers and the equipment manufacturing sector. Together, we’ll reflect on transition strategies, resilience and delivering reliably for domestic needs and global demands, especially as events like the 2026 World Cup underscore the world’s reliance on efficient supply chains.

In 2025, seventy-five percent of SCI’s Ministry on the River crisis calls involved mariners facing physical or mental health challenges—an insight that comes at a pivotal moment as SCI launched the 2026 U.S. Inland Mariner Wellness Assessment in partnership with the Yale School of Occupational Medicine. The report examines the key stressors of inland maritime work and evaluates existing support systems. Using these findings as a foundation, SCI is engaging industry stakeholders in discussions to better understand the results and identify durable and meaningful solutions. Mariners are the backbone of our industry, and now is the time for us to come together to better support those who take on this demanding and essential work.

Shipyards are dynamic and complex environments. While tools like artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality and automation will make yards more efficient, skilled craftsmen and women will always be needed as part of the production and operational processes. Humans complete the design of shipyard systems.

Humans are the best and most adaptable problem solvers but also are prone to errors. In many safety-critical industries, a scheme of management and communication systems has been instituted to reduce the probability of a mishap. In the maritime industry, these practices are collectively called Bridge Resource Management (BRM) or Engine Room Resource Management (ERM). Similar practices have not been globally adopted in shipyards to date.

Mariners with underway experience are uniquely suited to work in shipyards and to improve successful outcomes across the breadth of key performance indicators, specifically because of their practiced skill with BRM or ERM. I will discuss the background of BRM / ERM and explain how it relates to shipyard operations and how they can use their afloat experience to increase successful operations ashore.

While focused on shipyards, this is equally true for port and longshoreman operations.

Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals (IRPT) serves as a resource to our members and encourages a resilient and reliable supply chain. One way to reduce the impacts of disasters on the nation’s ports and terminals is to invest in enhancing resilience–the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from and more successfully adapt to adverse events. Enhanced resilience anticipates disasters and reduces disaster losses. Rediscover the strength of America’s inland rivers.

To understand the needs of vessel operators, hear directly from those at the sticks. In this second annual session, you will hear from licensed mariners. These esteemed members of the industry will share stories of life on the water, how their careers have strengthened and changed over time and advice they give new mariners when they come on board. Hear what matters to the captains as they work to sustain the value of marine transportation for years to come.