Captain AJ McAllister named 2024 Seafarer’s House
Golden Compass Honoree
Captain AJ McAllister III, Senior Vice President for McAllister Towing has been selected as the recipient of Seafarers’ House International Golden Compass Award for 2024.
The award is given each year to those who have achieved distinction in the maritime world, those whose vocation or avocation has been the sea, or those who have ministered to or otherwise assisted seafarers. Captain McAllister will be honored at the Seafarers’ House Golden Compass Gala on September 28, 2024 at the Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Captain AJ McAllister is Senior Vice President of McAllister Towing. A fifth generation McAllister, Captain McAllister grew up on tug boats and has been employed at McAllister in various capacities since 1981. He served as Mate on seagoing tugs and barges for several years before becoming a Captain on tugs in New York Harbor and later serving as a docking pilot in various ports around the country before coming ashore in 1998 to serve at corporate headquarters.
Captain McAllister is a graduate from SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, class of 1980. Upon graduation he received a B.S. in Marine Transportation and Management as well as an Unlimited Third Mate’s License Any Oceans Any Gross Tons. Captain McAllister also holds a Master of Towing Vessels upon Oceans and Western Rivers, and a First-Class Pilots License of Any Gross Tons for New York Harbor and all its tributaries.
Captain McAllister is a crucial part of the management team that expanded McAllister into Port Everglades in 2004. Captain McAllister remains deeply involved with maritime charities and philanthropies, serving as a member of the SUNY Maritime College Presidents Council, as well as Chairman of the Maritime College Golf Committee. He has been an active supporter of Seafarer’s House and the Port Everglades Association for more than 20 years.
“I am a member of a large seafaring family that not only was involved in the business of tug boating for five generations, but also lived it. Seeing first-hand the trials, tribulations and sacrifices faced by the men and women in this industry, it is gratifying to see the relief and important support the Seafarers’ House offers them and I am honored to be recognized by this organization.” said Capt. AJ McAllister III.
Past Golden Compass award recipients include: Jason Liberty, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Arnold Donald, Vice-Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc; Cliff Berry II, president and CEO of Cliff Berry Inc.; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO of Celebrity Cruises; Paul Doell, National President of the American Maritime Officers (AMO); Michael Bayley, {resident and CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Jan Swartz, group president of Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia; artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur Guy Harvey; Joseph Farrell, president and CEO of Resolve Marine Group; and international seafaring hero Captain Richard Phillips, among others.
This year’s annual Golden Compass Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, to be followed by a dinner, award presentation and entertainment.
For additional information about the gala, tickets, sponsorships, and underwriting options, please email events@seafarershouse.org or call 954-734-1580.