American Maritime Safety Award Recipients Announced

American Maritime Safety, Inc., (AMS), announced today that Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc., Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine Corporation, Patriot Contract Services and U.S. Shipping Corporation would be the recipients of the 2014 AMS Maritime Safety Awards.

AMS is a nonprofit maritime trade association, which facilitates the maritime industry's compliance with international shipping protocols and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The AMS consortium is comprised of more than 400 vessel owners and operators. It is the leading maritime industry association in the United States specializing in regulatory compliance, particularly with respect to drug and alcohol and harassment prevention policy.

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.

Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. will receive the Tug and Barge Safety 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.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by American Maritime Safety,” said Morton S. Bouchard III, President and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.  “Bouchard Transportation recognizes safety as the most important service we can provide our customers, our crews and our environment.  As part of our commitment to uphold safety in all aspects of our operation, Bouchard Transportation maintains compliance with all key regulations including ISM Code, American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program, OPA-90 and the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard.  We also participate in TMSA2 and SIRE to routinely assess safety protocols and ensure best practice guidelines.”

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. is the nation’s largest independently-owned ocean-going petroleum barge company with areas of operation spanning all four coasts of the United States:  East, Gulf, West and Great Lakes.  The fleet consists of 25 barges ranging from 25,000 to 252,000 barrels and 21 tugs ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 horsepower.  In August 2014, President and CEO Morton S. Bouchard III announced the construction of two 6000-hp ATB tugs as part of the company’s ongoing fleet expansion, which also includes two ATB units currently under construction.    


Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises 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.

“We are honored to be recognized by the American Maritime Safety organization as the recipient of the 2014 Passenger Vessel Safety Award,” said Mike Duffy, Port Captain and DER, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.  “As New York’s oldest and largest sightseeing cruise company, we have hosted more than 60 million passengers in NYC since our inception and the safety of each and every one of them is of the utmost importance to us. This award is a testament to our commitment to maintaining our safety standards and reputation as an iconic member of New York Harbor and as America’s Favorite Boat Ride.”

General Dynamics/American Overseas Marine Corporation (“AMSEA”) will receive the Safe Vessel Navigation & Operation Award which recognizes the implementation of training and educational programs for crewmembers that serve to protect the marine environment by reducing marine casualties.

“AMSEA is honored to receive the Safe Vessel Navigation & Operation Award.  AMSEA's shoreside and shipboard personnel take pride in our exceptional safety record,” said Captain Christopher B. Nette, Vice President Marine Operations, AMSEA. “Each year we reduce our safety goals by 10% and every year we have performed under the goals resulting in a constant decline in personal injuries.  This record is testimonial to the effectiveness of our safety program and the safety culture that our crews have embraced.”

AMSEA was founded in 1985 when it began operation of five vessels for the Military Sealift Command.  Over the 29 years in operation, AMSEA has expanded their operation to include MARAD and commercial vessels including Jones Act LNG ships.  


Patriot Contract Services will receive the Responsible Vessel Carrier Award which recognizes the implementation of safety systems and procedures that serve to promote safe vessel navigation and operation.

Patriot Contract Services is proud and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Responsible Vessel Carrier Award.  Frank Angelacci, Vice President of Operations, stated that credit for this important recognition goes to Patriot’s dedicated office staff for creation of the company’s Safety Quality Management System, to all of Patriot’s sea going personnel for their attention to safety and implementation of the SQMS, and to Patriot’s Union partners for their awareness and contributions to a strong safety culture aboard all of Patriot’s vessels.


U.S. Shipping Corporation will receive 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.

U.S. Shipping Corporation is a leading provider of long-haul marine transportation services, principally for refined petroleum products in the U.S. Jones Act trade.  It is also a leading provider of coastwise transportation of petrochemical and commodity chemical products.  A recent winner of a United States Coast Guard award for environmental excellence, US Shipping is committed to safety through in all aspects of its operations.  “Our safety program focuses training, certification and the continuing modernization of our fleet,” said Marine Personnel Manager Lynette Pagan. “Our company routinely conducts in-service training and on-shore refresher programs.”

The AMS 25th annual membership meeting and safety awards luncheon will take place on October 23, 2014 at the prestigious Yale Club of New York City.