Summary of Patrick Murphy and the Passenger Vessel Association
Patrick Murphy, President of Blue & Gold Fleet since 2016, has a deep-rooted connection to the maritime industry, being the son of the company’s founder, Roger Murphy. His career began in 1982 at Blue & Gold Fleet, where he worked in various roles before obtaining his U.S. Coast Guard license in 1995. Over the years, he held several positions, culminating in his current leadership role, where he manages a fleet of 24 vessels that cater to various passenger needs across the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), where Murphy serves as President, represents a diverse range of passenger vessel operators throughout the U.S. The PVA members operate vessels of all sizes, contributing significantly to domestic ferry and cruise services. One of PVA’s primary focuses is ensuring safety for the approximately 200 million passengers carried annually. Murphy emphasizes that safety remains the core mission of the association, guiding their policies and actions.
In terms of advocacy, PVA is dedicated to fostering a positive business environment while also reducing regulatory burdens for its members. Key issues for the association include promoting the Capitol Construction Fund, securing ongoing funding for Coast Guard programs, addressing the rise of illegal charters, and advocating for shipyard grant funding to help U.S. facilities improve and modernize.
Despite a strong business year in 2024, PVA members face challenges in finding qualified licensed mariners. To address this, the PVA is collaborating with maritime academies to connect graduates with job opportunities in the passenger vessel industry. The interplay between local and federal issues is evident in Blue & Gold Fleet’s operations, especially concerning environmental regulations issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Environmental sustainability is a core component of both the PVA and Blue & Gold. The PVA’s Green Waters Program encourages vessels to adopt eco-friendly practices. This program promotes operational efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions among its nearly 500 participating vessels.
On regulatory matters, PVA is engaged with the Coast Guard on various issues, including efforts to enhance cybersecurity protocols for passenger vessels and enforcement against illegal charter operations that pose safety risks. Murphy reports that while significant progress has been made in combating illegal charters, there’s still much work to do.
Regarding trends in the passenger vessel industry, the outlook is positive, with increasing ferry ridership—particularly in major urban areas. Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting new vessel constructions and upgrades necessary to meet the evolving demands of today’s commuters.
Security, especially post-9/11, has become a paramount concern. The PVA has developed an Alternative Security Program to help its members comply with U.S. security regulations effectively. This program underscores the industry’s commitment to maintaining safety aboard passenger vessels.
In summary, Patrick Murphy’s leadership at Blue & Gold Fleet and his role at the PVA reflect a commitment to safety, advocacy, and environmental sustainability, all while navigating the challenges and opportunities in the passenger vessel sector.
