ALCOAST 092/19 - MAR 2019 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT-EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS AWARD

R 260800 MAR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5P//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 092/19
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT-EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS AWARD
1. I am pleased to announce that the winner of the sixth annual Excellence in Marine
Inspections Award is MSSD4 Nicole Summers of Sector Puget Sound, Washington. Every day, our
well trained and skilled Marine Inspectors make difficult decisions with enormous impacts on
the safety and security of the shipping industry and marine transportation system. This award
recognizes the duty Marine Inspector who best demonstrated the characteristics of a valuable
mentor, made especially noteworthy impacts increasing marine safety, displayed exceptional
technical expertise, and exhibited the highest levels of professionalism. A board of five
Marine Inspectors was convened to assess the 16 nominations that were submitted and selected
a winner.
2. MSSD4 Summers is an exemplary marine safety professional and a superior mentor for junior
inspectors. Serving as a Senior Marine Inspector, she discovered several key security plan
deficiencies impacting a fleet of 22 ferries, mentored the Sector’s Ferry Security Liaison
Officer, and trained Apprentice Marine Inspectors throughout the 5-month corrective process.
Additionally, her attention to detail and insightful analysis of compliance led to the
identification and rectification of company-wide restrictions which precluded security
training for gangway watch-standers. Her efforts directly improved security personnel
knowledge and the security posture at the ports of Seattle, WA; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles-Long
Beach, CA; and Honolulu, HI.
3. I would like to recognize the following personnel as honorable mention finalists:
    a. MSSD4 Rob Busby, Sector San Francisco, California. CWO Busby served as a Master Marine
Inspector and his unit’s only Machinery and Machinery-Steam qualified marine inspector. He
adeptly balanced his role as Sector San Francisco’s primary verification officer while
completing 120 vessel inspections, 65 of which were complex deep-draft ships that required
his advanced qualifications. CWO Busby notably led the successful Flag State detention of a
375-foot freight ship enrolled in the Maritime Security Program, which significantly
increased ship safety.
    b. Mr. Chad Davison, Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles, Louisiana. Leveraging strong
port-partner relationships, Mr. Davison spearheaded a Subchapter M public relations campaign,
provided 10 innovative seminars for more than 100 local towing vessel operators, and educated
attendees on new regulatory requirements in the areas of navigation, engineering, and safety
systems. Additionally, in coordination with the Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of
Expertise, he developed an in-house Liquefied Natural Gas 101 training program to indoctrinate
the unit on applicable regulations and guidance surrounding shipment at facilities and on
gas carriers.
4. I heartily congratulate CWO Summers, CWO Busby, Mr. Davison, and all the nominees for this
prestigious award. Your efforts exemplify the outstanding skills, hard work, professionalism,
and traditions of the Marine Inspection community and core values of our service. Bravo Zulu!
5. Questions regarding the Excellence in Marine Inspections Award may be directed to:
LT Benjamin Aaronson of COMDT (CG-CVC-1) at (202) 372-1220 or Benjamin.Aaronson@uscg.mil.
6. RADM John P. Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.