PSS Awards 2026 now open!

Port Skills and Safety is delighted to announce that the second biennial PSS awards, in collaboration with the TT Club, is now open, with finalists invited to present at the PSS members’ conference taking place in London in July.

There are three award categories: Best Safety Moment, Best Skills Initiative and Best Members’ Collaboration, which recognise members’ achievements in improving safety and skills in the sector and furthering the organisation’s commitment to sharing best practice.

Uniquely, these awards are voted for by peers, following presentations at the PSS members’ conference. This means that not only do the winners receive recognition from the sector, but also that attendees at the conference can take nine real examples of best practice back to their workplaces, so that the sector as whole is a winner.

Announcing the opening for entries, PSS Chief Executive Debbie Cavaldoro said: “We launched this awards scheme in 2024, and were amazed by the number and calibre of entries. The presentations from the finalists were awe inspiring and made for one of the best conferences we’ve had. Wherever I went in the months after the conference, people came up to me to talk about how good the presentations had been and how they had implemented the ideas in their own workplaces.

“It certainly sets a high bar for this year’s awards, and I have every confidence that our members will step up and demonstrate the best the industry has to offer in terms of improving safety and skills.”

This year, alongside presenting at the members’ conference, winners will also have the opportunity to present their winning campaigns at the British Ports Association conference in Dover in October.

The awards are open to all PSS members and the deadline for submissions is Friday 29 May. The top three entries will be invited to present their project to the PSS members’ conference taking place on Tuesday 07 July, where attendees will vote on the winner. All submissions will be featured on the PSS website.

Best Safety Moment

This award will be presented to the PSS member who has made a significant and positive difference to safety within their port or the wider port sector. This award recognises projects and initiatives which engage port workers and deliver a positive message about the importance of all aspects of port health, safety, and wellbeing. This could be via a port safety campaign, awareness event or individual safety initiative.

Best Skills Initiative

This award will be presented to the PSS member who has demonstrated dedication to skills development, career pathways and workforce empowerment. The award will celebrate members who design, implement, or support innovative skills programs, which promote professional growth, port careers, and contribute to developing future talent in the maritime industry.

Best Members’ Collaboration

This award will be presented to two member organisations that embody PSS’s commitment to collaboration by working together to achieve a step-change in safety or skills outcomes. Only one member needs to make the submission and both members will then be invited to make a joint presentation on their collaboration. PSS particularly invites members working in the innovation space to submit entries on working with ports on new technology.

Submissions can be made by downloading the application form below and submitting it to [email protected] before Friday 29 May. The three shortlisted entries in each category will be notified at least one month before the conference with details of their presentation slot at the members’ conference.