The 2016 Chuck Husick Memorial Award is awarded to Mr. George Lariviere For outstanding contributions to the marine industry and safety of the boating public through advocacy of marine radio and electronic navigation systems.
Mr. George Lariviere is hereby recognized by RTCM for his lifetime contributions to maritime telecommunications and related safety issues spanning a period of over 40 years.
George received his electronics training as a U.S. Air Force Airborne Radar technician supporting the aircraft of the Strategic Air Command. From that baseline of experience, he soon entered into civilian life and found his calling in the maritime sector of communications and navigation.
His career path progressed from being the owner of a small marine electronics dealership to a factory Sales Representative for the eastern half of the United States for a navigation equipment manufacturer, to becoming Vice President of Sales for another navigation equipment manufacturer and eventually returned to be the owner of his own Company -Whiffletree Corporation.
George has been involved with RTCM since 1989 when he attended SC110 Emergency Beacon meetings as a representative of his employer. In 1995, George was elected to the RTCM Board of Directors and in 1997 he was elected as Chairman of the Board -a position he held for 18 years.
Under his leadership, George led RTCM through a period of membership growth and growing influence in the publication of standards used regionally and internationally. One of his most significant contributions to marine safety was his leadership in introducing GPS location receivers in Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and Personal Locator Beacons. Such devices enable immediate distress position determination, resulting in faster rescue of seafarers in distress, and more lives saved.
George Lavirieve, through his dedication, professionalism and leadership is hereby recognized as a most worthy recipient of RTCM's Chuck Husick Memorial Award. *
*This award honors the memory of Mr. Chuck Husick who made lasting contribution to the goals of the RTCM.
