The United States Coast Guard has awarded a Public Service Commendation to popular American Maritime Officer figure Captain Gerard “Jerry” Pannell for “notable services” as a member of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee.
The commendation cited Pannell – Director of Training at the AMO Safety & Education Plan’s STAR Center in Dania Beach – for his effective response to the “pressing threat to maritime safety” of sexual assault and harassment at sea and ashore.
“The members of the Committee readily offered their expertise on the current state of this critical issue and concerns across the industry,” the commendation read. “The committee worked diligently and with sensitivity through three meetings to develop 51 recommendations for the Coast Guard, government partners, training providers and operating companies ranging from prevention to response.”
The committee’s recommendations addressed mariner training requirements “to prevent and respond to issues of bullying, harassment, sexual assault and sexual harassment,” the commendation continued. “The collaborative recommendations formed the basis for domestic policy on the subject and for a proposal submitted by the United States to the International Maritime Organization’s Subcommittee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping.”
The IMO subcommittee used the recommendations as guides on developing the required Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training contained in the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping – STCW.
The USCG commendation said Pannell’s policy recommendations were among those “already having far-reaching effect on the national and international maritime community.” It acknowledged Pannell’s participation as “in keeping with the highest traditions of public service.”
“Captain Jerry Pannell has had a brilliant career at sea and ashore,” AMO President Paul Doell said. “This commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard is but one more confirmation of Jerry’s dedication and his innovative leadership. We are most proud of Jerry’s diplomatic approach to this difficult issue, and we remain grateful to him for developing STAR Center as the premier training site for the world’s finest merchant marine officers and for the Maritime Administration’s designation of STAR as a Center of Excellence.”