The Coast Guard announced Nov. 15, 2017, that it is accepting applications for the 2018 biennial Rear Adm. William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award for Excellence.

Started in 1995, the award recognizes corporations and businesses involved in marine facility or vessel operations which have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievement in protecting the marine environment. It also encourages innovations in operations, maintenance, cargo handling, refueling and training while providing a means to share best practices with others in the maritime community.

Any marine transportation related commercial organization owning, operating, or otherwise managing vessels, designated waterfront facilities, fleeting areas, oil spill removal organizations, or other entity engaged in maritime operations subject to Coast Guard regulations are eligible to apply. For details on submission criteria and descriptions of award categories visit the Homeport page.

Applications will be accepted from Nov.15 2017 to Jan. 12, 2018.

The award will be presented during the American Petroleum Institute Panel and Luncheon in New Orleans, Louisiana March 2, 2018.

For further information, visit the Homeport page or contact Lt. Angel Kwok, program coordinator, at (202) 372-1120 or via e-mail: angel.m.kwok@uscg.mil.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.