ALCOAST 039/22 - FEB 2022 SOLICITATION FOR 2022 EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD

R 041939Z FEB 22
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 039/22
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR 2022 EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD
1. This message announces the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) solicitation for nominations for the 2022 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:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

http://www.dco.uscg.mil/IMO/EBAS/

3. Past U.S. Recipients.
a. In 2021, a Certificate of Commendation was awarded to AST1
Joshua Mayfield of Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, NC for
his exceptional bravery and endurance while rescuing two mariners
from a distressed sailing vessel in complete darkness, frigid
temperatures, tumultuous waves, and gale force winds.
b. In 2021, a Certificate of Commendation was awarded to PO1
Wallace Qual for his remarkable courage, initiative, and
fortitude displayed when rescuing the master of the vessel
Legend, sinking in the surf zone amidst thick smoke and ash-filled
air cause by local wildfires.
c. Additionally, in 2021, a crew from Coast Guard Air Station
Sitka was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for their
exemplary team effort in the rescue of one soul aboard F/V Irony
at the edge of the aircraft's effective range during storm force
winds and 12-foot waves.
d. In 2020, a Certificate of Commendation was awarded to AST2
Niebaum of Air Station Sitka for rescuing five crew members of the
fishing vessel Masonic, which was aground on jagged rocks. Later
on the same day, AST2 Niebaum was deployed to assist the sinking
fishing vessel Neto, expertly managing a challenging hoist to
guide a dewatering pump clear of the vesselʹs hazardous rigging
while fighting 20-knot winds. His efforts helped bring the
flooding under control, saved the vessel and saved the Captain's
life as well.
e. Additional information on past awards is archived at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

http://www.imo.org

click about IMO, click IMO events, click IMO Awards.
4. Nominations for the 2022 award are for actions performed during
the period of 01MAR2021 to 28FEB2022. Guidelines for the award and
the nomination template are located at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

http://www.dco.uscg.mil/IMO/EBAS/

a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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
31MAR2022.
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: For questions contact LCDR Jessica Anderson, COMDT
(CG-5PS-IMO), at 202-372-1376, or Jessica.P.Anderson@uscg.mil.
7. Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and
Standards (CG-5PS), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.