American Maritime Safety Honors Maritime Companies

On Thursday, October 23, 2014, American Maritime Safety (AMS) held its 25th Annual Membership Meeting at The Yale Club of New York City. 

At the event, five member companies received Maritime Safety Awards in recognition of their dedication to promoting safe vessel navigation, preserving the marine environment and for their proactive efforts toward achieving safe maritime working practices.

Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. received the Tug and Barge Safety Award.  Morty Bouchard IV, Vice President of Operations/Sales accepted the award, which recognizes the implementation of outstanding compliance programs that serve to enhance crew-member efficiency and the safe operation of tug and barge vessels in U.S. coastal waters.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises received the Passenger Vessel Safety Award. Michael Duffy, Port Captain for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises accepted the award, which recognizes the implementation of best-practice systems and programs that contribute to the overall safety of passengers and crewmembers.

General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine Corporation (“AMSEA”) received the Safe Vessel Navigation & Operation Award.  Rick Williamson, Manager Marine Personnel/Labor Relations for AMSEA accepted the award, which recognizes the implementation of training and educational programs for crewmembers that serve to protect the marine environment by reducing marine casualties.

Patriot Contract Services received the Responsible Vessel Carrier Award.  Lance Bardo, Program Manager for Patriot Contract services accepted the award, which recognizes the implementation of safety systems and procedures that serve to promote safe vessel navigation and operation. 

U.S. Shipping Corporation received the American Maritime Safety Award, which recognizes the implementation of a drug and alcohol awareness program for crewmembers that perform safety sensitive functions on vessels calling at U.S. ports.

Highlights from the meeting included presentations by Dr. Ben Gerson of University Services on worldwide trends in drug use and the fluctuations in the popularity of illicit drugs. 

Bill Schaefer, Victim Services Unit Manager for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, provided guidance to meeting attendees on how to effectively respond to reports of sexual assault. 

Lee Seham, President of AMS, discussed recent case law developments in the maritime industry and Kim Xavier of Seham, Seham, Meltz & Petersen, LLC, spoke regarding I-9 compliance in the workplace. 

Mr. Patrick Mannion, DAPI Program Manager for the U.S. Coast Guard, provided an update on the USCG’s aggressive plans to enforce its chemical testing regulations. 

Chief Jayson Rodriguez of SUNY Maritime College, spoke about the college’s programs and plans for the training vessel, The Empire State.

AMS is a non-profit maritime trade association, which facilitates the maritime industry's compliance with international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) 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. Find out more at www.maritimesafety.org