AMS Annual Membership Conference Highlights Safety Award Recipients

AMS Consortium was established in 1988 to facilitate the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols and currently administers safety programs for deep-sea, Great Lake, cruise ship and tug and barge operators.

The September 24th Annual Membership Conference for members of American Maritime Safety, Inc., was not officially billed as the 22nd anniversary event. Nevertheless, the story of AMS, an organization established by a group of U.S. based vessel owners and operators is worthy of special mention. Indeed, this New York based Maritime Consortium has rapidly expanded in both its scope and reach since its founding in 1988. From humble beginnings in New York, AMS has grown to over 400 vessel owners and operators and is now recognized as the leading industry association on regulatory compliance in the U.S.

Highlights from the Conference included an informative presentation from Louis Meltz, a lawyer by training who welcomed the delegates and officially opened the Conference with an impressive presentation on serious marine incidents, statistical recordkeeping requirements and regulatory compliance. Other topics included a discussion on the U.S. Coast Guard’s chemical testing procedures, work place discrimination, a comprehensive overview on the Medical Review Officer’s evaluation process, the legality of hair testing, abuse of energy drinks, as well as U.S. Coast Guard regulatory developments on the horizon.

Observed Louis Meltz: “The Conference this year distinguished itself in its high level content, the involvement of representatives from the various segments of the maritime industry, and its venue – the prestigious Yale University Club in midtown, New York. I am thrilled that delegates from the tug and barge industry as well as representatives from the Maritime Academies and international vessel operators stationed abroad were able to participate in this industry event.”

The Federal Government also provided high level speakers which included Mr. Robert Schoening, the U.S. Coast Guard Drug and Alcohol Program Administrator, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC, and Captain James Scheffer from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Captain Gene Albert from the US Merchant Marine Academy and Professor Eric Johansson, SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, spoke about the significant increase in cadet enrollment and the implementation of shipboard cadet training programs.

AMS President, Louis Meltz stated after the Conference that “the AMS Consortium presents three member companies with Maritime Safety Awards during the membership luncheon in recognition of the selected companies’ dedication to preserving the maritime environment and promoting safe vessel navigation, operation and maritime work practices. These Maritime Safety Awards are designed to recognize vessel operations for their proactive efforts towards achieving safe and responsible maritime practices.”

First on the awards agenda, Captain Dominic Kapetonovic accepted the Quality Ship Management Award on behalf of General Maritime Management (Portugal), LDA. This award was presented in recognition of General Maritime Management’s implementation of Quality Control Systems that enhance crewmember efficiency and reduce marine casualties.

Next, Matt Stump accepted the Responsible Vessel Carrier Award on behalf of Andrie Inc.(Muskegon, Michigan). This award was presented in recognition of Andrie Inc’s implementation of training programs for vessel personnel that serve to promote safe vessel navigation and operation.

Finally, Captain Lenny Kinnear accepted the Safe Working Practices Award on behalf of Reinauer Transportation (Staten Island, New York). This award was presented in recognition of Reinauer Transportation’s implementation of safe working practices, as well as the company’s training and educational programs, which serve to protect the marine environment by reducing marine casualties?

Industry executives were also present to witness Tony Naccarato, Director of Labor Relations, Crowley Maritime Corporation be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade recognizes his unique accomplishments and outstanding personal contribution to the maritime industry and a lifetime dedicated to maintaining harmonious labor relations and a willingness to share his sage advice with maritime industry leaders, government officials and generations of mariners.

The AMS Consortium was established in 1988 to facilitate the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols, and currently administers safety programs for deep-sea, Great Lake, cruise ship and tug and barge operators thereby representing the interests of over 400 vessel owners and operators in the U.S. and abroad.

For further information on the AMS consortium, please communicate with Shelby Bagdan: [email protected]