Maritime assistance provider Sea Tow Services International, Inc. announced that its chief operating officer, Joseph Frohnhoefer III, has been named to the board of directors of the Association for Rescue At Sea, Inc. (AFRAS).
Founded in 1976, AFRAS’ mission is to support volunteer maritime rescue services worldwide, and honor extraordinary maritime rescues.
Joseph Frohnhoefer III is the second Frohnhoefer to be named to the AFRAS board, following his father, the late Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer, founder of Sea Tow, who also served as a member of the AFRAS board for three years.
“It is a special honor to follow in my father’s footsteps and be named to the AFRAS Board of Directors,” Frohnhoefer said.
“Sea Tow has been a longtime supporter of this wonderful professional organization, and I look forward to contributing to its efforts to support maritime rescue services across the globe and recognize those who put their lives on the line to help others in the maritime community.” Frohnhoefer added, “I am also excited to be able to use my knowledge of small boat operations, equipment and maintenance to help support the volunteer rescue services.”
Joseph Frohnhoefer III was introduced to Sea Tow Services International by his father at the age of eight. Once old enough, his first responsibilities included vessel maintenance, assisting in on-water calls and salvage operations. He earned his Captain’s license at age 19, and has been responding to marine assistance calls ever since.
Frohnhoefer attended the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College in Throgs Neck, N.Y., where he earned a B.E. in Naval Architecture with an Unlimited Third Mate license. His professional experience includes sailing deep sea on Ro-Ros, tankers and container vessels. Joseph later earned his Unlimited First (Chief) Mate’s license and 1,600-ton Master's (Captain’s) license, all oceans, all seas.
He returned to the family business in late 2002 and immediately became involved in all aspects of Sea Tow’s growing operations. As chief operating officer, his responsibilities include overseeing all external operations, including legal, franchise development and compliance. Frohnhoefer also maintains key relationships across the marine industry.