American Maritime Safety Inc. has announced that The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is among the recipients of its 2017 Safety Awards.
American Maritime Safety Inc. (AMS) is a nonprofit maritime trade association that facilitates the maritime industry's compliance with international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The AMS consortium is comprised of more than 400 vessel owners and operators. It is the leading maritime industry association specializing in regulatory compliance in the United States.
Every year, the AMS Safety Advisory Committee presents member companies with safety awards in recognition of their dedication to preserving the marine environment and promoting safe vessel navigation, operations and maritime work practices. These safety awards are designed to recognize vessel operators for their proactive efforts toward achieving safe and responsible vessel practices.
The Maritime Aquarium will receive AMS’s 2017 Passenger Vessel Safety Award, which recognizes the implementation of best-practice systems and programs that contribute to the overall safety of passengers and crewmembers. The award applies to The Maritime Aquarium’s R/V Spirit of the Sound™, a 64-foot catamaran that is the country’s first hybrid-electric research vessel. Aquarium crew and educators take thousands of recreational guests and school groups out onto Long Island Sound April through October for 2.5-hour hands-on encounters with marine life, as well as for seasonal lighthouse cruises and winter seal-watching cruises.
“We honor the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for its commitment to safety, environmental protection and responsible seafarers conduct,” the AMS said in a statement.
Learn more about the Aquarium’s cruises, exhibits, IMAX® movies and more at maritimeaquarium.org.
Other AMS Safety Awards winners this year are Maersk Line Ltd., Matson Navigation Co. and OSG Ship Management Inc.
Maersk Line Ltd. will receive the American Maritime Safety Award, which recognizes the implementation of a drug and alcohol awareness program for crewmembers who perform safety sensitive functions on vessels calling at U.S. ports.
In 1983, Maersk Line Ltd. won its first government contract to convert and operate five military prepositioning ships. Since then, it has managed and operated over 100 vessels of varying types and sizes. With the largest U.S.-flag fleet in international commercial service, it employs approximately 1,200 U.S. mariners daily and works with all the major U.S. maritime unions.
Matson Navigation Co. will receive the Safe Vessel Navigation & Operation Award, which recognizes the implementation of training and educational programs for crewmembers who serve to protect the marine environment by reducing marine casualties.
Founded in 1882, Matson is one of the leading U.S. carriers in the Pacific. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the economies of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and the South Pacific and premium, expedited service from China to Southern California. The company’s fleet of 22 vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. The company also provides container and chassis leasing services.
OSG Ship Management Inc. will receive the Tanker Vessel Safety Award, which recognizes the implementation of safe working practices for vessel personnel that serve to promote the safe navigation and operation of tankers calling at U.S. ports.
OSG is a world-class provider of energy transportation services with superior customer relationships, talented ship and shore-based staff, high operational standards, and core safety values based on providing incident-free transportation services while protecting their crews, vessels, and the environment. OSG’s commitment to high quality, incident-free service positions them as a preferred cargo carrier of major oil and gas companies, refiners, and traders throughout the world. Safety and compliance culture continues to grow within their fleet, a reflection of the leadership and commitment displayed every day by their senior officers and shore side staff.