In 1972, a submersible accident took the lives of two divers from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The tragedy illustrated the ever-present threat of life and property as the vast ocean resource is explored and developed.

In 1978, acknowledging the significant contributions made by these men and other modern-day pioneers in their pursuit of the ocean frontier, Compass Publications, publishers of Sea Technology magazine, established the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) Safety in Seas Award.

 Since 2014, NOIA has conferred two distinct safety awards annually to recognize excellence among those who, by their actions, design or influence, have contributed to improving the safety of life offshore. The Culture of Safety Award honors overall organizational immersion in and a commitment to safety that has resulted in remarkable, measurable and sustained safety performance over a prolonged period of time. The Safety Practice Award recognizes specific technologies, approaches, methods or projects with direct and demonstrable impacts on improving safety.

The winners of the Safety in Seas Awards are determined by an independent selection committee.  The 2019 NOIA Safety in Seas Awards will be presented during the association’s annual meeting to be held Apr. 10-12, 2019 in Washington, D.C. For consideration in the selection process, entry forms must be submitted to NOIA by Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. Entry forms are available at https://www.noia.org/2019-safety-seas-competition/.