The Government is seeking nominations for its marine rescue award scheme which pays tribute to individuals and groups who have displayed particular courage during emergency incidents on or near water.
Anyone who has witnessed or been involved in an act of bravery on "seas, lakes, harbours or inland waters" is invited to make a nomination before the end of the month. Similar actions by Irish citizens abroad are also eligible.
Selection by the State's marine awards committee will be based on "outstanding acts of skill, courage, bravery or resourcefulness in a life-threatening situation".
Successful nominees will be decorated by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey at a ceremony in Dublin Castle in October.
The marine gallantry and meritorious service award scheme was established almost a decade ago by former marine minister, Dr Michael Woods, and takes place every two to three years. It is administered by the marine awards committee, which is chaired by retired Garda commissioner Eamonn Doherty. The highest awards in gold, silver and bronze medals are named after Michael Heffernan, the Mayo diver who lost his life during a search-and-rescue mission at Belderrig, Co Mayo, in 1997.
A second award category recognises particular courage or outstanding service given during an emergency response involving Irish Coast Guard full-time and voluntary search-and-rescue personnel, and others "on occasion".
Previous winners have included Garda Ciarán Doyle and Irish Coast Guard officer Seán McHale, who were both awarded the Michael Heffernan silver medal for their involvement in the Belderrig cave rescue of 1997; and Irish Coast Guard helicopter winchman Peter Leonard, who lifted 10 crewmen from the Celestial Dawn, which ran aground in Dingle, Co Kerry, in 2002.
Submissions including all relevant information, eye-witness accounts, newspaper cuttings, maps and charts, should be sent before February 29th to Ms Kathleen Griffin, Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration, Marine Awards, Department of Transport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2.
