United Seamen’s Service names winners of annual AOTOS awards

The United Seamen’s Service’s 2016 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to a ferry operator, union leader and a chairman of a classification society at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel Oct. 28. Left: Arthur E. Imperatore, Center: Donald Marcus, Right: Christopher Wiernicki Source: United Seamen’s Service
   The United Seamen’s Service (USS) said that its 2016 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards will be presented to Arthur E. Imperatore, founder and president of ferry operator New York Waterway; Donald Marcus, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); and Christopher Wiernicki, chairman and chief executive officer of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
   The prestigious awards will be presented at the 47th annual gala industry dinner and dance at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City on Oct. 28.
   Recognition will also be given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea.
   General Kenneth Wykle, USA (Ret.), chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee, said: “We are honoring an eclectic group of men who have made different contributions to the maritime industry. Mr. Imperatore’s cargo is people operating 48 ferries around New York Harbor; Don Marcus is both an esteemed labor leader and an attorney; and Chris Wiernicki is internationally recognized in the field of naval architecture. Our industry is fortunate to have such a wonderful cross-section of good people deserving of such an honor.”
   New York Waterway is the largest private ferry operator in the United States and has transported over 200 million people since 1986. Prior to founding New York Waterway, Imperatore, who is 91, and his brothers founded the A-P-A Transport Corporation, a short-haul trucking concern.
   Marcus was elected president of the MM&P in 2013. The MM&P represents licensed deck officers on U.S.-flag commercial vessels sailing offshore, on the inland waterways and on civilian-crewed ships in the government fleet; mariners who work on tug, ferry and harbor tour vessels; licensed and unlicensed mariners who work on dredges; state pilots; marine engineers; and maritime industry shore side clerical and service workers. It is an affiliate of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
   Marcus also serves as president of the Maritime Labor Alliance, a six-union partnership that includes the MM&P, ILA, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Inland Boatmen’s Union (IBU), Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and American Radio Association (ARA).
   Wiernicki began his career with the ABS in 1993, and served as president and chief operating officer for four years prior to his appointment to chairman in April 2011. Before joining the ABS, he was appointed as president and chief executive of Designers and Planners, Inc., one of the leading naval architecture firms in the United States.
   Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas.
   Established in 1942, the USS operates centers in six foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean. The non-profit agency also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association.
   Edward Morgan is President and Roger Korner is Executive Director of the USS. Information about the gala, sponsorships, tickets and advertising in the journal is available from the USS AOTOS Coordinator, Barbara Spector Yeninas or Lisa Aurichio at aotos@bsya.com or (732) 817-0400 x 16. To contact USS directly, call (201) 369-1100.