PUBLIC FORUM
December 8-9, 1999
Memphis, Tennessee 

Background Information

Amphibious Passenger Vessels carry more than 1 million tourists a year nationwide.  These vessels were originally built for land and sea military logistical purposes.  Today's family of tour amphibians includes conversions of the World War II DUKW, the 1960s LARC, and the British Alvis Stalwart.  Tour excursions on land and water in one vehicle have become a popular tourist attraction in the United States.

This topic is of special interest to the Safety Board in light of the tragic sinking of the amphibious passenger vessel Miss Majestic near Hot Springs, Arkansas on May 1, 1999. We anticipate that information generated by this forum will highlight safety issues and that the sharing of information will help prevent similar accidents from happening.

The Public Forum offered a rare opportunity for those associated with the amphibious passenger vessels to acquire and share first-hand information on these unique vessels.

The Safety Board sponsored this event to bring together the U.S. Coast Guard, State governments, amphibious passenger vessel operators, other private sector organizations, and the public to explore safety matters relating to the design, regulation, maintenance, and operation of these vessels.

Agenda

Slide Presentation

Transcripts:  December 8 December 9     Clarification statement [PDF version]

Contact for Additional Information

National Transportation Safety Board
Office of Marine Safety
Phone: 202-314-6682
Fax: 202-314-6454

Press Release SB-99-36