ALCOAST 482/25 - DEC 2025 SOLICITATION FOR THE 2025 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS

R 021507Z DEC 25   MID120012261365U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 482/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE 2025 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS
A. Marine Safety: Marine Inspection Administration,
COMDTINST 16000.70
1. This ALCOAST announces the solicitation for the 2025 William B.
Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections.
2. Established in 2013, this award recognizes the marine inspection
program and honors those who carry out inspection missions. Since
the days of the Steamboat Inspection Service, the inspection program
has evolved to oversee the safety of a wide variety of vessels
operating in U.S. waters ranging from small passenger vessels to
mobile offshore drilling units. Today, the marine inspection program
is a foundational element of the Coast Guard Prevention workforce
and continues to play a significant role in maintaining the highest
levels of safety and security in protecting mariners, passengers,
ports and waterways around the world. The William B. Turek Award for
Excellence in Marine Inspections recognizes Marine Inspectors who
had an especially noteworthy impact on vessel safety, displayed
exceptional technical expertise, and exhibited the highest levels of
professionalism. As a highly experienced inspector, Lieutenant
Commander Turek was assigned as the lead inspector to oversee the
reactivation of the M/V CAPE DIAMOND. On the afternoon of
March 3, 1993, testing of the low-pressure carbon dioxide
extinguishing system was initiated. Realizing that more than the
anticipated brief puff of carbon dioxide was being released,
LCDR Turek disregarded his own safety and entered the engine room
to warn others of the hazard. In his attempt to save others, he
became a victim of carbon dioxide asphyxiation, sacrificing his
own life. Lieutenant Commander Turek demonstrated remarkable
initiative, exceptional fortitude, and courage in spite of imminent
personal danger in this rescue attempt.
3. Nomination process:
    a. IAW REF (A), this is an award to recognize excellence in
performance by individual marine inspectors. Each unit with field
level marine inspectors (Sectors, MSUs, MSDs, Activities, or
subunits) may nominate one of its marine inspectors. Nominees can
be any active duty, civilian, or reserve member filling a marine
inspector duty billet (O4 and below rank or GS-13 and below pay
grade) who actively carries out the inspection mission (Domestic
Inspections and/or Port State Control).
    b. The nominee should exemplify the Coast Guard Core Values of
Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty and display the traits of an
optimal marine inspector as described in REF (A). Further, the
nominee should lead vessel inspections and/or port state control
examinations that prevent vessel system failures and marine
casualties, help save lives by correcting hard to find
deficiencies, make substantial improvements to the inspection/port
state control programs, and/or contribute to fleet-wide or
industry-wide changes that enhance marine safety. Activities that
result in safety notices, technical publications, and procedural
changes are good examples. A nominee should also be devoted to
sharing their marine inspection knowledge and insights with others
and help their fellow marine inspectors become more proficient in
their trade. The award recognizes a nominee's body of work over
the course of a full calendar year.
    c. Nominations should be made by submitting a one to two page
narrative in memo format to COMDT (CG-CVC). The nominee's full
name and title should be listed. The memo should briefly describe
the individual's role at the unit, specifically describe the actions
for which they are being nominated, and explain the positive impacts
to the Coast Guard, industry, and/or safety aboard commercial
vessels. Associated activities in MISLE with the activity numbers
may be referenced in the narrative, if applicable. Additionally,
any safety alerts or professional publications associated with the
nomination may be referenced and included as supplemental
information.
    d. The deadline for nominations will be Friday,
January 30, 2026.
4. Selection criteria. The selection board will consider the
nominee's training/mentoring of others, impact on marine safety,
display of expertise, and professionalism when selecting a winner.
The winner will receive the William B. Turek Award for Excellence
in Marine Inspections trophy embossed with the USCG inspections
propeller and will have their name engraved alongside past
recipients on the corresponding plaque hanging within COMDT
(CG-CVC).
5. All nomination memos should be signed by the Unit Commander or
Commanding Officer and be delivered electronically to COMDT (CG-CVC)
at cgcvc@uscg.mil. The subject of the email should state,
"Nomination for the William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine
Inspections."
6. Questions concerning the nomination and selection process should
be sent to COMDT (CG-CVC) using the email address and subject line
listed in Paragraph 5.
7. RADM W. R. Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.