Celebrating 36 Jones F. Devlin Awards: A Legacy of Safe Marine Service
A tugboat assists a larger vessel across the San Francisco Bay with the city skyline and Bay Bridge visible in the background. The image reflects decades of safe, professional ship assist operations and honors Westar’s milestone achievement of receiving 36 Jones F. Devlin Awards for outstanding maritime safety performance.
At Westar Marine Services, safety has always been more than a requirement, it’s a core value that shapes every decision we make on the water. As part of our 50th anniversary “Looking Back” series, we’re proud to highlight one of our most meaningful achievements: receiving 36 Jones F. Devlin Awards for outstanding safety performance.
This recognition reflects not only the professionalism of our crews, but also the long-standing culture of operational excellence we’ve built over five decades of service across the San Francisco Bay and beyond.
What Is the Jones F. Devlin Award?
Presented by the Chamber of Shipping of America, the Jones F. Devlin Award honors manned vessels that operate for two or more years without a lost-time injury (LTI), a rare and respected benchmark in the maritime industry.
Receiving this award 36 times speaks to Westar’s sustained focus on safety, readiness, and professionalism. It’s more than a number, it represents hundreds of thousands of hours worked without incident.
Safety Is the Cornerstone of Our Operations
From tug and barge support to marine construction logistics, our teams operate in complex and often high-risk environments. Our approach is rooted in:
Strict daily safety protocols
Crew training and certification
Ongoing investment in vessel maintenance and equipment
Open communication between dispatch, crew, and clients
We’re proud to share that both our vessels and crews have also received U.S. Coast Guard commendations for lifesaving efforts, reinforcing the real-world impact of our safety culture.
A Voice for Safety Across the Bay
Since 1994, Westar has held the first barge seat on the San Francisco Harbor Safety Committee, giving us a voice in shaping safe navigation and regulatory practices in one of the nation’s busiest harbors. Our continued involvement in this group reflects our role as both a safety leader and trusted partner to the local maritime community.
Celebrating a Legacy of Reliability
Our clients count on us not only for marine support, but for peace of mind. Whether assisting with offshore operations, transporting materials by barge, or supporting emergency tows, our teams consistently deliver, safely, professionally, and with a strong record to back it up.
As part of our Westar50 anniversary, this milestone reminds us that our reputation wasn’t built overnight. It’s been earned job by job, tow by tow, year after year.
📞 Need a marine partner with a proven safety record?
🔗 Contact us at westarmarineservices.com
