This message announces the International Maritime Organization (IMO) solicitation for nominations for the 2026 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. 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. 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.
Past U.S. recipients:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional information on past awards is archived at: https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/imo-awards-ceremony-2025.aspx?refresh=978297
Nominations for the 2026 award are for actions performed during the period of March 1, 2025 to Feb. 28, 2026. Guidelines for the award and the nomination template are located at: https://dco.uscg.afpims.mil/IMO/EBAS/. 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. 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. All nominations that meet the nomination criteria of the IMO will be considered by the U.S. for submission to the IMO.
The deadline to submit nominations to COMDT (CG-5PS) is March 2, 2026. Submissions must be routed through respective District and Area Commands and be submitted electronically to imo@uscg.mil for final clearance. COMDT (CG-5PS) will submit nominations to the IMO.
Additional information on the award can be found at: http://www.dco.uscg.mil/IMO/EBAS/.
For questions, contact LCDR Emily Rowan, COMDT (CG-5PS), via Teams at 571-608-4937, or email: Emily.k.rowan@uscg.mil.
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