The Passenger Vessel Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in the District of Columbia. The organization was founded in 1994 by leaders of the passenger vessel industry. The founders were Alan Bernstein, BB Riverboats, Inc., William Dow, New Orleans Steamboat Company, the late Jerry Faber, Jungle Queen, Inc., the late Roger Murphy, Blue and Gold Fleet, Matt Nichols, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Terry Wirginis, Gateway Clipper Fleet.
The Foundation was begun to insure that the passenger vessel industry continued with its dedication to continue furthering education and development of safety resources.