The following is the text of a news release from American Maritime Safety Inc. (AMS):
(WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.) — American Maritime Safety Inc. announced Mondayth at Maersk Line Ltd., Matson Navigation Co., OSG Ship Management Inc., and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (Conn.) will be the recipients of the 2017 AMS Safety Awards.
AMS is a nonprofit maritime trade association that 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.
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.
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.
“As the largest employer of American mariners, we are honored to be recognized by American Maritime Safety for our implementation of a drug and alcohol awareness program for our crew members,” said Dennis Houghton, director of marine personnel at Maersk Line Ltd.. “Our crewmembers perform safety sensitive functions on vessels calling U.S. ports, and it is essential that we ensure compliance with important international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.”
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.
Realizing the importance of documented procedures and clear policies to safety and environmental management, Matson made the decision in 1998 to certify all of its vessels to the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code four years before the company was legally required to do so. The SQE program combines the now-mandatory ISM Code requirements with the voluntary ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards. Matson’s shoreside operations and offices were also certified to the ISO 14001 standard in 2003.
As an SQE and ISO certified company, Matson has a documented management system which encourages continuous improvement, and is overseen by a designated management representative.
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. OSG's safety management system is certified by ISM (International Safety Management Code), ISO-9001 (Quality Management) and ISO-14001 (Environmental Management).
Seafarer training and education is an important component of OSG’s safety and environmental program. Training leads to increased competence and retention, which, in turn, improves the performance of our seafarers, and reduces accidents, incidents and casualties.
OSG’s environmental, safety and humanitarian efforts are continually recognized by various stakeholder groups. The Chamber of Shipping of America awards nearly all OSG vessels with certificates of environmental achievement for operating without a spill to sea for a two-year period or greater. The chamber also presents the Jones F. Devlin Safety Awards to vessels that operate for a full two years or more without a loss time injury. OSG’s fleet is always well represented in both awards programs.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk will receive the 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 Maritime Aquarium serves as one of the premier marine research and conservation institutions in the Northeast region. Its dedication to research and conservation extend beyond scientific data collection; its passenger cruises serve as an informative educational venture that teach passengers about the biodiversity of the Long Island Sound. The Maritime Aquarium’s 64-foot all-aluminum catamaran was launched in 2014 as the first research vessel in North America with hybrid electric propulsion. It runs virtually silently on electric power for their 2.5-hour study cruises on Long Island Sound. Public cruises, school group charters and private parties now enjoy a cleaner and greener venue on Long Island Sound. We honor the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for its commitment to safety, environmental protection and responsible seafarers conduct.
