ALCOAST 053/20 - FEB 2020 SOLICITATION FOR 2020 EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD

R 201606 FEB 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5PS//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 053/20
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  SOLICITATION FOR 2020 EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD
1. This ALCOAST announces the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
solicitation for nominations for the 2020 award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.
2. Background.
    a. This annual award provides international recognition for those who, at the
risk of losing their own lives, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying
outstanding courage in attempting to save lives at sea or in attempting to prevent
or mitigate damage to the marine environment.
    b. The recipient/s of the award will be invited to a special ceremony in London,
United Kingdom, to receive a medal and certificate in honor of the acts of
exceptional bravery performed. Travel expenses should be covered by the Unit, Area,
or HQS Directorate providing the nomination.
    c. Additional information on the award can be found at:
http://www.dco.uscg.mil/IMO/EBAS/
3. Past U.S. Recipients.
    a. The 2019 award was awarded to AST2 Michael W. Kelly of Air Station Cape Cod.
On November 18, 2018, he rescued four survivors from a life raft from a sinking
fishing vessel, in extremely high winds, battling huge waves, swimming to rescue
each survivor. Despite the 60-knot gusts and 20-foot swells, he pulled each
survivor from the raft, one by one, and swiftly brought them to the awaiting rescue
basket to be hoisted to safety. Withstanding extreme physical and mental exhaustion,
his quick action to rescue the hypothermic survivors demonstrated truly exceptional
bravery and determination.
   b. A Certificate of commendation was awarded in 2017 to BM2 Hylkema of
Station Grays Harbor. The night of the rescue, the S/V Grace was facing 14-16 foot
seas with winds gusting to 55 knots and was unable to steer or maintain heading.
In an attempt to reach the nearby CG lifeboat, the sole sailor onboard became tangled
in a line and was being dragged underwater. At great risk to his own life,
BM2 Hylkema jumped into the water and swam 150 feet to the man and cut him free from
the line and held on to him as they were pulled back to the lifeboat. 
    c. Additional information on past awards is archived at: http://www.imo.org.
       i. click about IMO
       ii. click IMO events
       iii. click IMO Awards
4. Nominations for the 2020 award are for actions performed during the period of
01 MAR 2019 to 29 FEB 2020. Guidelines for the award and the nomination template are
located at: http://www.dco.uscg.mil/IMO/EBAS/.
    a. Although there is no limit to the number of nominations per country, generally
no country submits more than two nominations per year.
    b. U.S. nominations for this award are not limited to Coast Guard personnel and
many recipients of this award have included civilians and merchant mariners. The 2017
award was presented to  two maritime pilots, Captain McGee and Captain Phillips, who
defied fire to bring a burning tankship to safety & averted a major catastrophe in
the port of Houston.
    c. Units have the unique ability to become aware of heroic acts of the maritime
industry and the inherent dangers associated with maritime activities through daily
exchanges with the public. Units are highly encouraged to nominate candidates who
meet the criteria, regardless of their affiliation with the USCG.
    d. All nominations which meet the nomination criteria of the IMO will be
considered by the U.S. for submittal to the IMO.
5. Action.
    a. The deadline to submit nominations to COMDT (CG-5PS) is 01APR2020.
    b. Request all submissions be routed through respective District and Area
Commands, and be submitted electronically to imo@uscg.mil for final COMDT (CG-5PS)
clearance. COMDT (CG-5PS) will submit nominations to the IMO.
6. POC:  or questions contact LT Jessica Anderson, COMDT (CG-5PS-IMO), at:
202-372-1419, or email: Jessica.P.Anderson@uscg.mil.
7. Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.