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Lessons in Resilience: Shared Experiences, Smarter Solutions
March 24-25, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Bell Harbor Conference Center
Register by December 31, 2025 with the code EarlyBird2026 to take advantage of earlybird pricing:
$450 (standard registration will be $550 starting January 1, 2026).
About the Conference
The National Harbor Safety Conference is a biennial gathering of maritime professionals designed to showcase best practices from port communities nationwide and facilitate long-term collaboration across the industry. This multi-day event brings together participants from all parts of the country to share case studies, explore lessons learned from real-world incidents, highlight proven solutions, and strengthen coordination with key government agencies.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical briefings, the conference enables meaningful dialogue on current and emerging maritime issues. With strong participation from senior leaders across federal agencies and regional organizations, the conference also emphasizes the important role Harbor Safety Committees (HSCs) play in addressing local challenges and advancing national maritime priorities.
The National Harbor Safety Conference offers a focused, practical forum to engage with the most current issues facing ports, waterways, and the Marine Transportation System. With participation from U.S. Coast Guard leadership, Harbor Safety Committees, policy makers, and operational professionals across the country, this event is built to support real dialogue and actionable problem-solving.
Attendees will gain insight into the systems, strategies, and working relationships that keep maritime operations safe and responsive—from shipboard firefighting and resilience planning, to the role of Harbor Safety Committees in industry coordination. With direct access to federal agency leaders, policy experts, port operators, and HSC members, you’ll hear firsthand how others are approaching complex problems.
You’ll leave the conference with a broadened national perspective and practical takeaways to apply in your own port or working group. This event also a rare opportunity to directory connect with peers who are facing the same issues. Share what’s working, what’s not, and what comes next.
Participants can expect to leave with:
- Examples of how other ports are tackling emerging challenges
- Strategies for improving collaboration within Harbor Safety Committees
- A clearer understanding of national-level policy shifts and agency priorities
- Lessons learned from recent case studies, including the Key Bridge allision
New contacts across agencies, sectors, and coastlines, opening the door to ongoing coordination
Our stay recommendations include the Seattle Marriott Waterfront and The Edgewater. Both of these hotels are short walks from the venue and sit on the newly renovated Seattle waterfront.
Due to the October government shutdown we are not able to provide any room blocks. We highly encourage participants register early and get their lodging secured. Government employees can request their government rate when booking.
Conference Agenda
Day 1
Day 2
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7:00 AM – 8:00 PM BREAKFAST
(Onsite and included in registration price.)8:00 AM – 9:10 AM WELCOME & KEYNOTE
9:40 AM – 11:00 AM FEDERAL AGENCY PERSPECTIVES
11:05 AM – 11:30 AM UNDERSTANDING ALTERNATIVE FUELS
11:30 PM – 1:00 PM LUNCH
(Onsite and included in registration price.)1:00 PM – 3:15 PM SHIPBOARD FIREFIGHTING
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE CHALLENGES
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7:00 AM – 8:00 PM BREAKFAST
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM THE FRAGILITY OF THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM COORDINATING LIVE EXERCISES
Captain Mike McElroy10:45 AM – 10:55 AM MARITIME WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM LEVERAGING EXISTING SAFETY CAMPAIGNS
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM LUNCH
(Onsite and included in registration price.)1:00 PM – 3:30 PM LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE ALLISION
3:35 PM – 4:35 PM THERE’S NO WRONG WAY TO DO IT: HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEES
4:35 PM – 5:00 PM CLOSING REMARKS
RADM Wayne Arguin
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The 2026 National Harbor Safety Conference would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence helps make this event a reality—and ensures that the conversations we host here have lasting impact across the Marine Transportation System.
Thank you for helping us bring this national forum to life.
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