2024 CSA Ship Safety Award Honorees
CSA commends and proudly honors our 2024 Ship Safety Award Honorees who through their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner. Often the saving of human lives or the rescue and/or recovery of foundering ships and barges appears routine. It is not routine – ship handling skills; excellent seamanship and rigorous training make these acts of courage possible. Catastrophes are prevented through anticipation, hazard assessment, training and emergency preparedness.
We encourage you to click each vessel’s name to read the honorable actions that lead to these awards. These vessels and companies were recognized at our 2025 Safety Awards in New Orleans in June 2025.
Top Honor
We commend the crew of the British Achiever for their heroic actions and bravery. The ship responded to a Coast Guard call in the Mediterranean Sea regarding a small boat in distress. In the dark of night, the British Achiever arrived on scene, the crew selflessly, professionally, and tirelessly rescued 51 people including children and a baby by 0500 and the crew was not done yet. In extremely difficult circumstances, physically and emotionally, the crew saved an additional 38 people for a total of 89 survivors, then provided medical care and provisions until disembarkation in Greece.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Top Honor testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
Citation of Merit
We commend the crew of the Seri Daya for their alert response and bravery on December 15, 2024. In fierce winds and heavy swells, the watch located and diligently navigated to a small distressed boat. The boat toppled over, and the boats crew were scattered in the rough water. The Seri Daya’s crew quickly and carefully sprang into action to rescue all five survivors without injuries.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Seri Emperor for their seamanship and compassion on August 24, 2024. They answered the call and diverted 270 NM to assist a small boat in distress with a mother and child onboard who’s skipper and family member had passed away. Upon arrival, the rough seas and harsh weather prevented the crew from launching the rescue boat and a naval asset was sent to assist. Through the night and following day the Seri Emperor’s crew stayed in constant communication and provided a lee until the navy vessel arrived and assumed command.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Capt. Rodney Adams alert and heroic response on April 19, 2024. The crew took urgent action to save one of their own when the Tankerman collapsed on deck and with no heartbeat. The well trained crew immediately responded with CPR then the AED. Consequently, notifications were made and the crew expertly navigated to pass off two barges to another fleet boat so a faster approach to the dock could be made. Emergency services met the Capt. Rodney Adams at the pier and airlifted the Tankerman to the hospital where we was treated and released.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Guard for their bravery and response on April 18, 2024. While assisting a tanker departing Anacortes, Washington, a sailboat was on a collision course with a tanker. Once warned, the sailboat tacked quickly throwing the lone sailor onboard into the cold ocean. The Guard crew quickly and diligently navigated to and rescued the survivor. The sailor was saved due to the immediate response and medical assistance from the Guard’s crew.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew and specifically Second Officer, Kevin Zapolski of the Potomac Express, for his leadership and courage. On the evening of November 1, 2024, Zapolski was off-duty when he investigated a faint sound and located a crewmember in the dark water between the ship and the pier. Mr. Zapolski immediately provided a life ring and maintained constant communication with the crewmember while he coordinated efforts with longshoremen, terminal staff, and emergency responders. Zapolski’s quick and effective response saved the life of his fellow crewmember.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Stolt Sneland for their alert response and swift actions on July 23, 2024. While transiting the South China Sea, the lookout’s keen eye spotted something small in the water and was able to determine this may be a person. The crew launched the rescue boat and found a fisherman who had been in the water for over a day after falling overboard. The crew rescued the survivor then provided medical care and provisions and he was returned to his family days later.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Doenicke Tide for their teamwork and seamanship responding to a Mayday call on November 6, 2024. The Chief Officer communicated in Portuguese with the vessel providing the details needed for the Doenicke Tide to arrive on scene just in time. The crew then provided water and supplies for the 12 dehydrated and starved crewmembers. Despite choppy seas, the crew towed the distressed vessel and crew to safety in Luanda saving all onboard.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Citation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
Letter of Commendation
We commend the crew of the Eagle Paraiba for their seamanship and response on March 22, 2024. The crew received a Mayday call from a distressed vessel, dead in the water, and immediately diverted. The Eagle Paraiba arrived on scene and provided emergency communications and assistance for six hours assisting the distressed vessel to restore their power and navigate to the closest port.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Commendation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Pacific Gull for their seamanship and service on December 8, 2024. The crew responded swiftly to the call and diverted off Namibia to assist a fishing vessel without power. The Pacific Gull diligently and professionally coordinated their efforts to tow the distressed vessel to safety ensuring a smooth and safe operation with no injuries.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Commendation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
We commend the crew of the Pacific Wizard for their dedication and compassion February 24, 2024. While off Equatorial Guinea, the crew spotted a large field of debris floating past their vessel and upon further inspection, noted 5 large sea turtles trapped in the debris. The crew launched the rescue boat and through surgical seamanship and notable teamwork, safely freed then released all trapped turtles back to the ocean.
Their actions exemplify the devotion to duty and professionalism of the merchant mariner.
This Commendation testifies to actions in keeping with the highest tradition of the sea – aid to those in peril.
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