December 7, 2006, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council Foundation announced that it is soliciting nominations for the 2006 Bunzl Boating Safety Award. The Bunzl Award is presented in recognition of singular acts of great personal sacrifice or heroism in the saving of life or a vessel at sea, or, for extraordinary contributions to the safety of the boating public.

The award is named for Richard C. Bunzl in recognition for his contributions to the ABYC Foundation in support of boating safety. Bunzl's 30 years of volunteer service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary attests to his concern for and dedication to the safety of his fellow mariners.

Nominations for acts of heroism must have exposed the nominee to imminent danger of personal injury or financial loss in a physical effort of act of seamanship to avoid tragedy or loss. The nomination must include supporting documentation from official reports, published news or other written accounts.

Persons nominated for contributions to the safety of the boating public will have performed the cited activities for approximately five years without compensation and will have been directly responsible for the improvement in boating safety outcome, either through their own actions or actions of those under their direct supervision. The nomination must cite specific actions, decisions, or other contributions beyond the day-to-day maintenance of an existing program.

Nominations for 2006 must be submitted no later than Wednesday, December 20, 2006. To submit nominations or for questions, contact Caroline Chetelat, ABYC Marketing & Communications Director at cchetelat@abycinc.org or (410) 990-4460, ext. 22.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.