Former OMSA chairman honoured with lifetime achievement award

“Bob is one of the most dedicated advocates this industry has ever known,” said current OMSA chairman Minor ’Tony’ Cheramie III. “I consider myself lucky to have been able to witness him in action,” added Mr Cheramie, who is vice president of Louisiana-based offshore support vessel owner L&M BoTruc Rental.

“I was so wonderfully blessed to have the privilege to come into the business at a time when so many of the true pioneers in the industry were still active,” said Mr Alario in accepting the award. “A fascinating group of marine entrepreneurs, many without any or much formal education or technical background, but possessed of an innate talent and an ability to innovate and think out of the box that would allow them to build significant companies that would literally revolutionise the offshore oil and gas industry,” he said.

Based in New Orleans, OMSA represents the interests of the offshore marine transportation industry on legislative and regulatory matters. About 60 of its 140 member companies own and operate offshore vessels, and OMSA’s associate members include shipyards, surveyors, vessel equipment manufacturers and distributors, maritime training providers, financial institutions, lawyers and accountants.

“OMSA is everything it is today because of Bob Alario,” said OMSA president Aaron Smith. “His vision, his commitment and his decades of hard work contributed immeasurably to industry and organisation.”

Serving 16 years as OMSA president between 1988 and 2004, and a six-year term as chairman of the OMSA board, Mr Alario was called a “legend among great leaders in our industry” said Aries Marine president and chief executive Court Ramsay. Mr Ramsay is the immediate past OMSA chairman.

In his current role, Mr Alario heads up Alario & Associates, a highly specialised marine management consulting firm. Prior to that he served as vice president and director of Nolty J Theriot, a worldwide offshore marine and towing contractor.

OMSA said the Robert J Alario Distinguished Achievement Award will recognise individuals who, through their lifetime of deeds and accomplishments, are indisputable champions of the US maritime industry.

In 2021, OMSA plans to present the award to an individual nominated by the OMSA membership. The nomination process will open at OMSA’s autumn conference, and the award will be presented at OMSA’s spring conference the following year.