Saltchuk is proud to recognize twelve outstanding team members whose dedication to safety exemplifies the best of our family of companies.
Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety
Captain Joseph Zayac III | TOTE Services, Jacksonville
What Sets Him Apart: Captain Zayac’s “3-Ss of Safety” philosophy drives everything he does—Safety of the Mariner, Safety of the Ship, and Safety of the Seas. He doesn’t just talk safety; he works alongside his crew on deck projects, maintains his physical fitness to handle demanding tasks, and has fostered a culture where the crew submitted 65 near-miss observations and zero recordable injuries in 2024, and no Lost Time Injuries since July 2021. His environmental record is equally outstanding: zero spills to water in over seven years of command.
The Impact: Captain Zayac has made the Perla del Caribe a model of maritime safety excellence. His leadership approach—combining hands-on involvement, transparent communication, and genuine care for his crew—has created a workplace where safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a deeply ingrained value. The result is a vessel that consistently operates without incidents while maintaining the trust and respect of every mariner who serves aboard.
President’s Award for Innovation in Safety
Sean McLaughlin | Assistant Port Engineer, AmNav, San Francisco
The Challenge: New emission technology was causing tugboat engines to fail during critical docking operations—a potentially catastrophic safety risk that had the manufacturer stumped.
The Innovation: When others couldn’t solve it, Sean became a detective. He methodically tested every variable: fuel-to-air ratios, computer systems, and propeller dynamics. His breakthrough moment came when he devised a way to simulate real-world propeller loads in a controlled, safe environment—eliminating the need to risk actual ship operations during testing.
The Impact: Sean’s approach to mechanical problem-solving didn’t just fix one boat; it created a solution that benefits our entire fleet and industry partners facing similar challenges.
Honorable Mention Honorees
- Crew of the Alaskan Legend, those with five or more years of service, Alaska Tanker Company
- Schance Watkins | Terminal Operator, Delta Western, Haines
- Sean O’Connor | Director of Operations, The Jankovich Company
- Robert “Rob” Federico, Dispatch Supervisor, Tropical Shipping
- Chris Nolan, Deckhand Engineer, Foss Maritime
- Edward Rowe, Manager, Ground Operations, Northern Air Maintenance Services
- Brian Stroble, Manager of Flight Following, Northern Air Cargo
- Emanuel Tishler, Port Captain, Foss Maritime
- David Treadway, Truck Driver, Tropical Shipping
- Tom Murray | Port Engineer, TOTE Services
Join us in congratulating all the 2025 Saltchuk Safety honorees! Their stories remind us that safety excellence happens when technical expertise meets genuine care for our people and operations.
Watch for upcoming People of Saltchuk features of our 2025 Safety Award honorees! Thank you to everyone who nominated colleagues and to all our team members who make safety a daily priority!
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