JENNIFER GUSTAVSON FILE PHOTO | Roy Morrow, center, with Sea Tow International founders Captain Joe and Georgia Frohnhoefer.

Captain Joe Frohnhoefer of Sea Tow Services International was honored with the Compass Rose Award, an industry accolade which he said points to Sea Tow’s influence in the marine assistance industry.

Mr. Frohnhoefer, CEO and founder of Southold’s own worldwide marine rescue company, was presented the award Jan. 14 at the annual meeting of the Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing.

“That group is made up of all of our peers such as BoatUS and other independent towers, so it was really nice to receive the award,” Mr. Frohnhoefer said.

“A compass rose shows true direction,” said Tina Cardone, executive director of C-PORT, a trade association for the marine assistance industry.  “This award is presented to someone who is dedicated to making the marine assistance industry better through their hard work and desire to make boating an enjoyable experience for everyone they meet.”

Sea Tow turns 30 years old in September, Mr. Frohnhoefer said.

“We don’t know what events we’ll be having yet between visiting boat shows and everything that’s on our plate right now, but there will be events,” he said of Sea Tow’s anniversary celebrations.

In addition to celebrating three decades of growth as a marine rescue and assistance company, Mr. Frohnhoefer was also recently asked to join the board of directors at the Association for Rescue at Sea, a Washington D.C. based group that works directly with the Coast Guard.

AFRAS is made of important marine industry and government representatives, such as congressmen and former vice commandants, who are the second highest officers in the Coast Guard.

For more coverage of Sea Tow’s 30th anniversary, pick up a copy of next week’s Suffolk Times.