Crescent River Port Pilot Honored with Professional Mariner Award  

NEW ORLEANS, November 30, 2004 – Professional Mariner Magazine presented Crescent River Port Pilot, Capt. Douglas Grubbs with the 2004 Samuel Plimsoll Award for Outstanding Service. Capt. Grubbs was honored for his advocacy of AIS Technology.

“The standard for winning this award is very high,” said John Gormley, editor of Professional Mariner Magazine. “All you have to do is change the world, and Capt. Grubbs has done that by playing a substantial role in promoting acceptance and an understanding of the value of this technology.”

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a technology that enables the tracking and identification of vessels by shore-based stations and other vessels. The technology was originally designed with maritime safety in mind. But in the aftermath of 9/11, its identification capabilities have made it an important surveillance tool. Widespread use of AIS is expected, due to the approval of the standard, and the adoption of carriage requirements by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“AIS dramatically increases the ability of vessel navigators to avoid collision,” said Capt. Grubbs. “We are constantly working to improve maritime safety and security, and this is the piece of technology that will do that for many years to come.”

Named for Samuel Plimsoll, a 19th century member of British Parliament who fought against unsafe maritime industry practices, the award is presented annually to one individual and one organization that embodies the spirit of Samuel Plimsoll. The Connecticut based, Coast Guard Research and Development Center received the award for an industry organization.

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