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Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award in Memory of Charles Chapman

The Marine Industry Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose contributions have made an enduring impact on the recreational marine manufacturing industry.
 
Recipients of this award demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
• Commitment through sustained involvement and leadership in the industry
• Impact through innovation, design, safety, environmental practices, policy development, or expanding public access
• Leadership as a business owner, association leader, educator, or advocate
• Community Service that benefits the boating public, including efforts in access, safety, education, or advocacy
• Promotion of Boating through media, events, education, or outreach that increase awareness and appreciation for the boating lifestyle
 
Whether their influence has been felt over years or in a shorter, transformative span, recipients leave a legacy that reaches beyond their own organization, elevating the broader marine industry.
 
 
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
 

AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

View past recipients of this prestigious award.

2013: Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, CEO and Founder, Sea Tow Services International

Capt. Joe Frohnoefer

Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, CEO and Founder of Sea Tow Services International, based in Southold, NY, is an avid boater with an unwavering interest in serving the public. In 1965, he started Water Thrills Inc., a marine company offering Water Skiing instruction, Red Cross Swimming instruction, sailboat and powerboat rentals. During this time, he also served as a volunteer emergency medical technician, firefighter, reaching the rank of Captain, and was president of the North Fork Lions Club and Mattituck Gun Club.

In 1982, a change in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations led to the decision that the USCG would no longer tow in non-emergency situations. The opportunity to combine his life saving skills, commitment to public service, entrepreneurial spirit and love of the water was the inspiration for Frohnhoefer to found Sea Tow Services International Inc. in 1983.

Continuing his goal of giving back to the boating public, Capt. Joe founded the Sea Tow Foundation in 2007 with the goal of providing tools and education to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the water.  To date the Sea Tow Foundation has provided over 20,000 life jackets to the boating public via its Life Jacket Loaner program. Today, you can still find Captain Joe towing boats in the waters of Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay and off the coast of Montauk.