WOODS HOLE, MA — The Steamship Authority is inviting the public to help name two new vessels set to enter the water next year.

Through Sept. 25, local residents can suggest names for the new ferries, and enter to win gift cards for Steamship Authority services worth up to $250.

The Steamship Authority is asking for names that reflect the "local flavor and/or maritime history of Cape Cod and the Islands" — but similar boat naming contests have in the past run afoul of such suggestions.

In 2016, the British government opened a naming contest for a North Pole research vessel, and proposed names like Shackleton, Endeavor and Falcon. Instead, the most-voted name was Boaty McBoatface. The vessel ended up with the name Sir David Attenborough , but one of the ship's autonomous submarines was named Boaty McBoatface to honor the internet sensation.

You can submit your suggestions for the two Steamship Authority vessels here.

The Steamship Authority is the only ferry serving Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket from the mainland.

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