WSMC 2026 Conference
Advancing Maritime Safety, Preparedness & Innovation
About the Conference
The WSMC 2026 Conference brings together vessel operators, regulators, spill response organizations, and industry partners for two days of training, presentations, and collaboration focused on protecting Washington’s waters. This year’s expanded format features a full Training Day with HAZWOPER certification, AI, and marine firefighting training, followed by a conference day of panels and presentations covering safety culture, regulatory rulemaking, AI in emergency response, and lessons learned from the 2026 MARFIRE exercise.
Registration & Breakfast
HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher
Annual refresher training for hazardous waste operations and emergency response personnel as required under 29 CFR 1910.120.
Morning: AI in Emergency Response
Explore how artificial intelligence tools can enhance situational awareness, decision-making, and coordination during spill response operations.
Afternoon: Salvage Marine Firefighting
Hands-on training covering salvage operations and marine firefighting techniques for vessel emergencies.
Cocktail Reception
Keynote Address
Patrick Gallagher, Executive Director, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Dan Smiley, Executive Director, WSMC
Panel: Safety Culture in Emergency Response
A panel discussion exploring how organizations can build and sustain a strong safety culture, drawing on lessons from maritime, industrial, and emergency response operations.
Panelists TBA
Coffee Break
WA Department of Ecology Oil Spill Response Rulemaking
An update on the current state of Ecology’s oil spill contingency plan rulemaking process, including key proposed changes and opportunities for stakeholder engagement.
Dan Smiley, Executive Director, WSMC
Using AI in Emergency Response
How artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied to improve spill detection, response planning, resource allocation, and damage assessment.
Speaker TBA
Networking Lunch
MARFIRE 2026 After-Action Review
Lessons learned from the June 2026 American Dynasty pier fire functional exercise, examining Unified Command effectiveness, HAZMAT firefighting tactics, and inter-agency coordination between Seattle FD, Tacoma FD, USCG, and Ecology.
Speaker TBA
Regional Marine Firefighting Readiness
Progress on building standardized marine firefighting training, tactics, and response SOPs across Puget Sound waterfront fire departments—informed by NTSB findings and recent vessel fire incidents.
Speaker TBA
Coffee Break
Open Discussion & Q&A
Moderated roundtable covering key themes from the day’s sessions and next steps for WSMC members.
Closing Remarks
Dan Smiley, Executive Director, WSMC
Venue
Silver Cloud Hotel
Point Ruston Waterfront
5125 Grand Loop
Tacoma, WA 98407
Located on the scenic Point Ruston waterfront along Commencement Bay, near the Tacoma Yacht Club.
Register Now
Join us for two days of training, presentations, and networking with Washington’s maritime community.
Register Online →