2026 CSA Ship Safety Award Honorees

CSA commends and proudly honors our 2026 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 2026 Safety Awards in New Orleans in May 2026.

 

Top Honor

Rendering assistance to those in peril on the oceans and waterways has historically been the role of the merchant mariner. Courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty are inherent in the women and men who serve aboard vessels.

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.  These attributes serve the maritime community and the public well.  The maritime industry appreciates the efforts and dedication of all mariners and commends their actions in dealing with emergencies at sea. 

We commend the crew of the Stena Immaculate for their bravery and heroic response following an allision while at anchor that resulted in a major fire and explosion. The crew’s quick action provided vital protective cooling spray to facilitate the safe passage of multiple crew members who were trapped forward. As the fire raged and conditions onboard deteriorated, the crew relentlessly continued to fight, mitigating the impact on other cargo tanks and averting an environmental disaster. When abandoning the ship was imminent, the crew executed a safe evacuation, saving all 23 mariners.

 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 Shannon for their flawless execution of emergency operations to recover the Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft which landed in the Pacific Ocean in the early morning hours. Following a medical event aboard the International Space Station that led to the spacecraft’s early return, the crew of the Shannon performed emergency contingencies to execute the recovery of the crew and the immediate evacuation of the astronaut who required medical attention. The crew executed this task flawlessly, ensuring that urgent medical care and evacuation was provided for the astronaut.

 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 SLNC Star for their alert response and bravery the night of October 9, 2025. Upon receiving a distress message, the vessel rushed to the location. Once on the scene, the crew located a group of fishermen who had been adrift for several days. After a long night overcoming several challenges including the weather, the crew of the SLNC Star assisted the fishing boat to return safely to port on her own including provisions of fuel, water, and food.

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 El Coqui for their exceptional seamanship and bravery on January 21, 2025. After receiving an EPIRB alert from a sinking sailboat, the USCG called on the El Coqui to divert and assist. Despite challenging weather, the crew arrived on scene and immediately began rescue operations rigging ladders, staging equipment, and assembling food and medical supplies to ensure immediate care upon recovery.  The crew diligently navigated and worked to safely bring all four survivors aboard.

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 Bulldog for their vigilance and quick response in assisting with the rescue of two people from the Savannah River. As the Bulldog navigated the river, the astute crew noticed flashlights searching the water. The crew immediately responded and located two people in the water desperately hanging on the pilings. The crew quickly coordinated with the fire department rescue team and provided emergency lighting and resources critical to the survivors’ rescue.

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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