The U.S. Coast Guard has recognized Annapolis, Md.-based Watermark for excellence in vessel maintenance, safety and crew proficiency.
Kevin C. Kiefer, Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, presented Watermark with eight awards for inspection excellence at the annual Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Industry Day.
“Safety is our top priority in all that we do,” says Debbie Gosselin, Watermark president, in a company news release. “Whether it’s a wedding reception on one of our larger yachts, a group of students on Harbor Queen at City Dock or passengers on the Water Taxi, we strive to make sure our vessels and crew members are well equipped for guest safety. It is an honor to be recognized by the United States Coast Guard for our efforts.”
Every year, each Coast Guard certified passenger vessel is required to go through a rigorous safety inspection to ensure each vessel is ready for operations, Watermark says. The intent of the inspection is to make sure the vessel is well maintained and crews are properly trained. The award recognizes excellence in crew proficiency, boat and personal protective equipment condition and compliance with established standards.
Watermark maintains a large private fleet of yachts in the Chesapeake Bay region — offered for private charter and public sightseeing cruises in Annapolis and Baltimore — and most vessels in the fleet are U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessels, the company says. Each passenger vessel undergoes rigorous safety inspections annually. Watermark has been awarded eight awards for vessels in their fleet that have undergone a range of five to 10 years of Coast Guard inspections without any substantial deficiencies.
Watermark’s fleet of private vessels is used for leisure cruises in Annapolis and Baltimore, private yacht charters in Annapolis and Baltimore and water taxi service in Annapolis.
