IMO Bravery Awards 2026
Call for Nominations
Working at sea is a dangerous occupation. The risk of fire and flood is ever present. Collisions between vessels occur far too frequently. Navigation errors see ships founder on unwelcoming coasts. Dealing with such events, and other dangers, can bring out the very best in seafarers, many of whom selflessly risk their own lives to rescue others.
The International Maritime Organization officially recognises some of the bravest sailors in our industry through their annual IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. In 2024, members of The Nautical Institute were proud to be present when one of our certified Dynamic Positioning Officers, Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes AFNI, was one of just two seafarers to receive this exceptional award.
The IMO has issued their call for nominations for the 2026 Award ceremony. As an accredited non-governmental organisation, The Nautical Institute is honoured that we can propose any of our members or other seafarers for consideration by the IMO’s judging panel.
“The Honours will be conferred on individuals or groups of individuals who, at the risk to their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment. Such acts of bravery may also involve extraordinary seamanship skills in very difficult conditions or any other display of outstanding courage.”
If you are aware of any seafarer, whether a member of The Nautical Institute or not, who has engaged in an act of bravery at sea between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026, please download the nomination form here and send it to [email protected], or to your national maritime administration.
The Nautical Institute remains committed to advocating for our members and for all seafarers, as an accredited organisation at the IMO.