Our own DaveTAM has received a prestigious award in his 3D life of Marine Rescue that I think it is worth crowing about. Follows is the article about it. To see a picture of him receiving the award, please CLICK HERE

ALL THIS AND HE SINGS, TOO!! CONGRATULATIONS, DAVE!

The following was written by Paul Rudden, Acting Regional Supervisor of Marine Search and Rescue in Halifax.

"Isn't it nice to know that in these times of extreme pressure, downsizing and reorganizing of resources there are those who continue to go the extra mile?

"On May 6, CCG Commissioner John Adams honoured such a person, presenting Dave Lever with the DFO Recognition Immediate Award for his outstanding effort and dedication for work well done.

"Dave Lever has been a professional sailor for many years, both in the commercial maritime world as well as with CCG. Dave joined CCG in 1984 and served two years on vessels on the east coast, and was then appointed Maritime Controller at the Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax.

"During his 15 years as a sailor in commercial enterprises in the U.K. and Canada, Dave gained extensive experience on tankers and oil support vessels. Dave was on board M/V Claymore Sea when she rescued the crew of the oil rig Vinland after a wellhead blow out in the spring of 1984.

"Along with his normal tasks as Maritime Controller, Dave has taken a personal and professional interest in training groups involved in search and rescue, and became involved in the development of the cold-water survival program now in use in Rescue Coordination Centres across the country. His recent training initiatives with navy personnel laid the groundwork for the excellent response and interagency coordination in the early stages of the Swissair crash.

"There has been an ever-increasing volume of marine traffic from the oil and gas industry in the offshore areas of the Halifax Search and Rescue Region. Exploration, as well as oil and gas production, brings unique elements into the search and rescue world and must be addressed. With Dave's experience and interest in this field and his knowledge of disasters in the North Sea, he took the initiative to develop a seminar for off-shore personnel to encourage information sharing and develop relationships that will foster cooperation during an offshore incident.

"The seminar includes presentations and scenarios, which have been well received according to course critiques by other government agencies and private industry representatives. Sable Offshore Energy Incorporated employees were so impressed that the course now is mandatory for all the company's offshore managers."