ALCOAST 053/26 - FEB 2026 SOLICITATION FOR THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION HONOURS FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD

R 111553Z FEB 26   MID320018533084U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 053/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
HONOURS FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AT SEA AWARD
1. This message announces the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) solicitation for nominations for the 2026 IMO Honours 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 at IMO Headquarters 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 2025, AST2 Michael Diglio received a Certificate of
Commendation for his selfless courage and exemplary leadership
rescuing two mariners from the disabled sailing vessel Venture in
near-zero visibility and heavy seas during Tropical Storm Debby.
    b. Additionally in 2025, the crew of helicopter CG-6048 from
Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak received Letters of Commendation for
their courage and professionalism rescuing a critically ill mariner
from the F/V Alaska Victory in complete darkness and extremely
challenging conditions beyond operational limits.
    c. In 2024, the crew of the CGC Alex Haley (WMEC 39), received a
Letter of Commendation for their incredible courage and superb
seamanship conducting a successful heavy weather tow of the disabled
F/V ALEUTIAN NO.1 in the remote reaches of the Aleutian Islands.
    d. Additionally in 2024, BM2 Kirkbride, BM2 Lorenzo,
BM2 Marzilli, MK2 Mason, BM3 Guth from Coast Guard Station Maui, and
Mr. Travis DeWater from the small passenger vessel Trilogy II,
received a Letter of Commendation for their heroic efforts during
the mass rescue during the Lahaina wildfires in Hawaii.
    e. Further in 2024, the crew of EXPEDITIONS: Ms. Lashawna
Garnier, Ms. Emma Nelson, and Ms. Christina Lovitt received a Letter
of Commendation for their heroic efforts during the mass rescue
during the Lahaina wildfires in Hawaii.
    f. In 2023, AST2 Caleb Halle was the recipient of the 2023
IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award. AST2 Halle was
nominated for the rescue of a seven-person crew onboard the Legacy,
a 95-foot tugboat in critical condition off the coast of
Ocean City, MD.
    g. Additional information on past awards is archived at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser):

https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/imo-awards-ceremony-2025.
aspx?refresh=978297

4. Nominations for the 2026 award are for actions performed during
the period of 01MAR2025 to 28FEB2026. Guidelines for the award and
the nomination template are located at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser):

https://dco.uscg.afpims.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
02MAR2026. 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.
    a. For questions, contact LCDR Emily Rowan, COMDT (CG-5PS), via
Teams at 571-608-4937, or email: Emily.k.rowan@uscg.mil.
7. Mr. Benjamin J. Hawkins, Acting Director for Commercial
Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.