From: Alyeska
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s Vessel of Opportunity Program recently received a 2015 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award by the Alaska SeaLife Center. Alyeska received the Stewardship & Sustainability Award, which honors an industry leader that demonstrates the highest commitment to sustainability of ocean resources. The award was presented to Alyeska leadership at the Alaska Marine Gala on February 21 in Anchorage.
The Vessel of Opportunity Program, often referred to as the “fishing vessel program,” started in 1990 to ready citizens and fishing industry professionals around Prince William Sound to provide oil spill response support in the unlikely case of an actual incident. Each year, staff from Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System, known as SERVS, provides education and training to more than 1,500 crew members of approximately 450 vessels from six Prince William Sound ports: Valdez, Cordova, Whittier, Homer, Kodiak and Seward.
“It is phenomenal to be recognized for sustainability and stewardship by the Alaska SeaLife Center,” said Andres Morales, Alyeska’s SERVS Director. “Our mission is prevention, and if needed, to be ready to respond. The Vessel of Opportunity Program is truly emblematic of how fishermen and industry share a common interest and work together to protect Prince William Sound. This is a wonderful and deserved recognition of our joint work to be the best stewards of this tremendous resource we have.”
The rigorous, multiday training strengthens the crews’ skills in spill response, containment and recovery, which allows them to be safe while playing an integral role in Alyeska’s response readiness and protecting Prince William Sound. The trainings take place in each of the six ports, spending time in the classroom and on the water. Crew members get hands-on experience in loading equipment, deploying boom, setting up skimmers and rehearsing other recovery tactics. A smaller segment of participants are trained in wildlife management and treatment. SERVS staff is assisted in the training by the U.S. Coast Guard, Prince William Sound Community College, and other entities.
The center noted in its award announcement that, “The local knowledge and commitment of the Prince William Sound fishing communities is evident in this program’s ongoing success – ensuring that the fisheries and environment are protected and sustained for years to come.” The award was sponsored by the center’s Awards Committee member Jason Brune.
Learn more at www.alyeska-pipe.com