NASBLA News

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) honored Peter D. Louzao for his dedication to the advancement of recreational boating safety at the state, national, and international level during the 2021 Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program National Instructor Development Workshop held December 8-9 in Lexington, Kentucky. During the event, Louzao was recognized by both NASBLA and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for his achievements throughout his career.

Peter Louzao was first presented with the NASBLA Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to those who have made significant contributions to boating safety over his or her lifetime. Peter Louzao has been involved with Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) for the past 42 years, and has made an indelible mark on all that have had the fortune to meet or be mentored by him. Louzao joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1979, and quickly rose through the ranks as a Boatswain Mate, retiring in 2009 as a Chief Warrant Officer. Upon retirement from the USCG, Louzao put his vast knowledge and experience immediately to work training mariners to achieve their USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials at The Captain School in Cape Coral, Florida. 

Louzao came onboard NASBLA’s BOAT Program in 2011 where he quickly became a credentialed instructor, and soon became a NASBLA Lead Instructor. In this time, Louzao has conducted over 75 direct delivery courses, training over 1,300 students. In 2017, Louzao took over the Response Course Program Manager role, overseeing the Boat Crew Member (BCM), Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR), Enhanced Vessel Operator (EVOC) and Fire Boat Small (FBS) courses. His passion lies in instructing and mentoring new instructors.

In addition to being recognized by NASBLA, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard presented the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award to Peter Louzao for his extraordinary vision, cooperation, and direct contributions to the USCG. In an effort to further enhance response to maritime incidents, Louzao worked tirelessly alongside the Coast Guard’s Office of Boat Forces in an effort to produce FEMA National Incident Management System position qualifications and typing definitions.

Furthermore, Louzao has volunteered hundreds of hours alongside Coast Guard active duty personnel providing free standard training to smaller organizations. Louzao’s dedication and devotion to the safety and security of the United States, and staunch support of the Coast Guard are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates Peter D. Louzao on these accomplishments and thanks him for his continued commitment to advancing boating safety.

For more information about the NASBLA BOAT Program, visit the BOAT Program webpage.