Michael Vlasto Appointed as CDSA First Honourary Advisor
The former President of International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Michael Vlasto was appointed as the first lifetime Honourary Advisor of China Diving and Salvage Association (CDSA) on May 28, 2023, when the President of CDSA Captain Song Jiahui presented the appointment certificate to Vlasto at CDSA head office in Beijing.
“Michael is one of the veteran experts and tone-setters in international marine rescue known not only for his profound marine rescue experiences but also the deep insight about maritime-related consultancy and international exchange and cooperation,” said Song, adding that Michael has established a close and friendly relation both personally and professionally with CDSA over the years, during which he has attentively observed and supported CDSA’s development and international communication and cooperation, particularly during his tenure as the IMRF president. “Michael’s visit to CDSA is of unusual significance as we are celebrating our 15th anniversary,”he said.“We are grateful for his longtime support and look forward to receiving continued advisory input and guidance from him.”
Vlasto acknowledged the reception of the certificate with appreciation to CDSA. “I have always been impressed by what CDSA has implemented and accomplished in China,” he said. “It is a great honour to accept the appointment in a time when CDSA is celebrating its 15th anniversary. With my decades of career experiences in international marine rescue, I will endeavour to provide CDSA with advisory assistance and support within my best capabilities.”
Michael is a Master Mariner who joined the RNLI as a Lifeboat Inspector in 1975, where he worked initially as Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats in Scotland and then Wales, and then became responsible for the operational training lifeboat of crews and lifeboat station personnel. In 1994, he was appointed to a new post to establish and manage the RNLI’s move into sea safety and prevention. He was promoted to Operations Director in 1997 with operational responsibility for the delivery of the lifeboat and lifeguard services and the developing coastal safety services.
From 2007 to June 2015, he was Chairman of the International Maritime Rescue Federation. In 2005 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to maritime search and rescue. In 2013, he received the Silver Magnolia Award from the Shanghai Government for his work developing search and rescue services in the Asia Pacific Region.
As a part of CDSA’s 15th anniversary celebration, a meeting was held afterwards to introduce the new move that CDSA has implemented to improve the management of divers’ safety such as the unified insurance policy for divers certified by CDSA.