The Nautical Institute & Lloyd’s List “Shipmaster of the Year” Award
PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGO UNTIL 2300 HRS ON 28/3/07
At the Awards Dinner this evening Philip Wake, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, will deliver the following speech prior to presenting the Award to the winner as well as a special Award.
The purpose of this award is to recognise and value the ultimate responsibility of the Master for the safety of the ship, her crew, and the cargo carried as well as the safety of life at sea generally.
In a year when there have again been high profile cases of masters facing criminal charges for unfortunate accidents, it was surprising that none were nominated for this Award and that generally owners and managers were notable for their absence in the nomination process. Yet they are among the first to complain about the negative image of shipping. So why do they not promote their good news and show their shipmasters as the dedicated professionals that they are?
However, I am pleased to say that the judges had a particularly tough time choosing between two particularly fine examples of shiphandling and rescue in very severe weather. You have already heard about the Lloyd’s List/AMVER Award winner and The Nautical Institute also highly commends Captain Kurash and his crew.
Nevertheless, the Lloyd’s List/Nautical Institute Shipmaster of the Year Award goes to another dramatic rescue. The OBO Searose G under the command of Captain Kapoor in the eastern Mediterranean rescued nine seafarers from their sinking liferaft after a long search involving many ships in atrocious weather conditions. Unfortunately, Captain Kapoor cannot be with us tonight but he is represented by the Sea Personnel Manager of B+H Equimar Singapore, Marcin Wolasiewicz, to receive his Award as the Shipmaster of the Year.
In addition, we are honoured to have with us the Senior Master of the company who was acting as On-board Trainer and sailing with the ship at the time of the rescue. Captain Ostric was no mere observer as events unfolded but assisted the master throughout and took command of the deck party as the liferaft was sighted. All the deck crew made heroic efforts to haul the oil soaked survivors up the side of the ship in appalling conditions. Eventually, two remained in the raft but were now too weak to help themselves so the 2nd Officer and Captain Ostric, at great risk to their own lives, descended into the raft to assist them. Sadly one man slipped from the ladder and liferaft before they could assist him but they brought the other safely aboard. This whole incident shows the value of good professional training and teamwork and Captain Ostric’s part in that was also crucial to the success of this operation. The judges have therefore authorised a special Award in recognition of Captain Ostric’s bravery and leadership.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Captain Ostric and Marcin Wolasiewicz.
Note for Editors: further information on Captain Owen’s career is available on request to The Nautical Institute – email: cpw@nautinst.org
The Nautical Institute
The purpose of the Institute is to promote high standards of knowledge, qualifications and competence amongst those in control of sea-going craft, including non-displacement craft, both ashore and afloat.
The Institute is an international not-for-profit professional body for qualified mariners. It provides:
Leadership across international boundaries
Better opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD)
Accreditation and validation services to the international shipping community
The enhancement of professional values through co-operative studies and the promulgation of results and best practices
For further information please contact Mr C P Wake FNI, Chief Executive (+44 20 7928 1351) or visit our new website – www.nautinst.org
