On June 1, Washington State Ferries, the largest such system in the United States, will mark 75 years of public ownership. A few fêtes, including raising the ferries’ flag atop the Space Needle, will commemorate the occasion. And yes, mini-ferries that double as nacho troughs will continue floating out of Mariners games this season .

Might I suggest a refresh of another maritime tradition? It’s time to retire the aging audio safety briefing at the start of each sailing, and in its place, hook up a brand-new, regionally renowned voice giving the guidance, confidently sailing us into the future.

This old chestnut is past its prime.

You can hear it in your head: May we have your attention please. The state’s longtime pithy briefing about when to don life jackets is blasted through the crackly intercoms of each vessel.…