U.S. Amver Awards Ceremony and National Maritime Day

On Monday, May 23, 2016 Amver celebrated National Maritime Day in the United States. As part of the day-long celebration the North American Marine Environment Protection Association hosted a Safety at Sea seminar at the National Press Club. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Paul Thomas shared the latest on regulatory hot topics while panelists from the cruise industry, maritime law and maritime ministries tackled topics related to seafarer safety and welfare. U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul "Chip" Jaenichen gave the National Maritime Day address and shared his vision for the future.

After the seminar more than 70 people gathered to celebrate the 922 U.S. managed ships that earned Amver awards in 2015. U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Paul Zukunft spoke about the traditions of mariner helping mariner, a code that dates back to Rhodian Sea Laws of the Seventh Century. Admiral Zukunft thanked and congratulated the award recipients and encouraged them to continue to participate in Amver, especially in austere areas such as the Arctic where search and rescue resources are scarce.

The event ended with the unmistakable humor of Mr. Clay Maitland inviting Amver Director Benjamin Strong up to the podium to close the evening with an uncanny impersonation of Mr. Maitland.

Stay tuned for information about next year's Amver Awards and National Maritime Day program.

Photo: USCG photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley