The ROV Committee Awards program is designed to recognize individuals and organizations who have made considerable contributions to industry and remotely operated vehicle technology. These awards carry a high degree of distinction and are awarded when appropriate, rather than on an annual basis.

Below, you will find a record of past award recipients. If you’d like to nominate someone for an award, please reach out to ROV Committee leadership!

Distinguished Achievement Award

Distinguished Achievement Award
Presented to an individual chosen by the committee chair for outstanding contribution to the ROV community. Names are not normally submitted for this award.

Rusty Jahangir, Blue Robotics (2019)Rusty
Doug Hernandez, BP (2017)
Dwight Howse, Marine Institute of Memorial University (2015)
Tyler Schilling, Schilling Robotics, Davis CA (2014)
Drew Michel, ROV Technologies, Inc. (2013)
Drew Trent, Oceaneering DTS, Houston TX (2012)
Bob Christ, Seatrepid, Robert, LA (2011)
Don Nelson, Shell, Houston, TX (2010)
F Richard Frisbie, Oceaneering International, Houston, TX (2006)
Gene Hall, BP, Houston, TX (2005)
Howard Shatto, Shatto, Houston, TX (2005)
Carl L. Wickizer, Shell Offshore, Houston, TX (2004)
Chuck Richards, C.A. Richards & Associates, Houston, TX (1998)
Doug Stroud, Perry Tritech Inc., Jupiter, FL (1997)
Robert L. Wernli, NRaD, San Diego, CA (1996)
James R. MacFarlane, ISE, BC Canada (1995 
Kevin Peterson, Perry Tritech Inc., Jupiter, FL (1993)
Advanced Robotics Technology Research Association, Tokyo, Japan (1992)
Chuck Strickland, Photosea Systems, San Diego, CA (1991)
Deam Given, Windate Enterprises Inc., Spring Valley, CA (1990)
Richard Marsh, Tritech International, UK (1990)
Jack Jaeger, Custom Multimedia Products, San Diego, CA (1989)
Dana Yoerger, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA (1988)
Howard Talkington, NRaD, San Diego, CA (1987)

Corporate Excellence Award

Corporate Excellence Award
Presented to a corporation that has had outstanding success or growth, or made some unusual contribution to the ROV community.

Greensea Systems, Inc. (2018)Corporate Excellence Award
SAAB Seaeye (2016)
Shell Deepwater Inc., New Orleans, LA (2008)
Schilling Development, Inc., Davis, CA (2007)
Dynacon, Bryan, TX (2005)
Oceaneering International, Houston, TX (2004) 
C A Richards and Associates, Inc. (2002)
C & C Technologies,Lafayette, LA (2001)
Canyon Offshore, Houston, TX (1998)
Perry Tritech, Riviera Beach, FL (1997)
Eastport International, Upper Marlboro, MD (1996)

Academic Excellence Award

Academic Excellence Awards
Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding achievement in promoting the education of ROV technology to the next generation.

Mark Atherton, Kongsberg Mesotech, Vancouver, CA (2020)
Dr. Ahmed El-Shenawy, Arab Academy of Science and Technology (2019)
Stu Burley, Kauai Economic Development Board (2018)
Matt Gardner, MATE Center (2017)
Fritz Stahr, University of Washington, Seattle WA (2014)
Charles Royce, Oceaneering International, Houston TX (2013)
Raresh Pascali, University of Houston (2012)
Erica Moulton, MATE Center (2011)
Don Barthelmess, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA
Richard Blidberg, University of New Hampshire, NH
Dr. M. L. Nuckols, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, Monterey, CA
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Public Awareness Award

Public Awareness Award
Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding achievement in promoting ROV technology to the general public.

Amanda Dayton, Foss Maritime, Seattle, WA (2020)
Schmidt Ocean Institute, Palo Alto, CA (2019)
Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Pacific Grove, CA (2000)
Robert Ballard, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA (1995)
Chris Nicholson, Deep Sea Systems International, Falmouth, MA (1989)