The International Maritime Prize for 2001 will be awarded posthumously to Dr. Giuliano Pattofatto, former technical director of the
Italian classification society Registro Italiano Navale.
William A. O'Neil, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, will present the prize to Dr. Pattofatto's widow Nella and
their two sons Leone and Riccardo during a special ceremony today on December 4 at IMO's London Headquarters. Dr Pattofatto
died at his home in March 2001 after suffering a heart attack. He was 60.
In the early 1970s Pattofatto began a long and distinguished
participation in the work of the IMO as a member of the Italian
delegation. His abilities and personality ensured he was much sought
after as a chairman both of sub-committees and other groups.
After serving as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on
Ship Design and
Equipment from 1990 to 1993, he became Chairman of the Maritime Safety
Committee in 1994. His five years in that position coincided with a
period of intense regulatory activity that focused on bulk carrier
safety, the aftermath of the Estonia catastrophe, and the introduction
of the International Safety Management Code.
Important preparatory work was also done under his leadership for the
1994, '95 and '97 Safety of Life at Sea Conferences, which saw the
emphasis of much of IMO's regulatory work change from technical to human
element aspects.
His fortitude and dedication to duty were never more clearly
demonstrated than when struck by a heart problem which necessitated a
major operation soon after he took over the chairmanship of the MSC. He
did not consider for a moment giving up this onerous work and declared
himself fit for duty even before he had completely recovered.
The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to the
individual or organization judged to have made the most significant
contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. The 88th session of the
IMO Council in June took the decision to award the prize to Dr
Pattofatto in recognition of his long service to the cause of maritime
safety. The prize consists of a sculpture in the form of a dolphin.