sea1Host Andrea Ocampo was on hand as Seafarers’ House honored
Joseph E. Farrell at 2015 Golden Compass Gala
Joseph E. Farrell, Jr., president and CEO of Resolve Marine Group, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Seafarers’ House Golden Compass Award.

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.

For the past 35 years, Mr. Farrell has been at the helm of Resolve Marine Group. He has guided the company through tremendous growth to become a leading global marine services provider. The company specializes in vessel emergency response, ship rescue, salvage, maritime training, naval architecture and marine engineering.

“I am honored to be among the list of past recipients. I am also humbled because, as a deeply faithful person, I admire the Seafarers’ House for its multi-faith service,” Farrell said.

Mr. Farrell has had a distinguished maritime career spanning more than 45 years. He served in the U.S. Navy, diving on an icebreaker in the Arctic, and later as a U.S. Coast Guard explosives advisor in Vietnam. In the private sector, Mr. Farrell worked as a chief engineer and then as captain of a large Dutch-built oceangoing salvage tugboat, which he eventually purchased and renamed “Resolve.”

“Joseph Farrell is a true American success story,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “He was able to grow his one-tugboat company into what today is one of the most recognized international salvage companies with an extensive fleet positioned throughout the world. Hard work, perseverance, trust in faith and family, and respect for the working mariner are hallmarks of Joe’s style. We are delighted to celebrate his great accomplishments and great heart.”

This year’s annual Golden Compass Gala was held May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale. There was even special entertainment for the evening, a Gov Sarah Palin impersonator.