The Blakely Smith Medal

Outstanding Accomplishment in Ocean Engineering

Richard D'Souza

Richard D'Souza
Richard B Offshore LLC


Richard D'Souza received his 
Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture from the Indian Institute of Technology and Masters’ degrees from Michigan and Tulane universities. His entire 41 year career was devoted to the Offshore Industry. He pioneered the designs of Floating Drilling and Production Platforms as their capabilities progressed from operating in 300m to 3000m of water. He was a founding member of Omega Marine Engineering that grew into one of the most successful Offshore Engineering Companies in the industry. He also built KBR’s consultancy, including Granherne, GVA and Energo, into a deepwater industry leader. Active in SNAME since 1973 he was elected Fellow in 2015. He is the recipient of the Elmer Sperry, ABS/Linnard and SNAME Texas Section Lifetime Achievement awards. He has been a tireless advocate for the rightful role of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers in the Offshore Industry. His greatest achievements, besides his 40 year marriage to Rena and children Neisha and Rohan, are his 80 technical publications advancing deepwater technology and the three generations of Offshore Engineers he has mentored. He has been privileged to work with many offshore industry pioneers including most of the previous Blakely Smith medal recipients. 

Established by the Executive Committee in 1979.

The award will be for "Outstanding Accomplishment in Ocean Engineering." The title will be "The Blakely Smith Medal." The medal will be made of gold-plated bronze, approximately 2 1/2 inches (6.25 cm) in diameter, the obverse side showing a likeness of Blakely Smith and the reverse side carrying an inscription of the award centered between a pair of dolphins. Eligibility for the medal need not be limited to membership in the Society. The proposal for award may be made by a member of the Society in good standing. The selection of the nominee for the award shall be made by the Awards Committee of the Society. The nomination by the Committee and final award by the Council will require a two- thirds vote of the Committee and of the Council. Notification of the award will be made prior to the Annual Meeting and the medal will be presented with suitable ceremonies at the Annual Meeting or at such time as the President of the Society may arrange. The medal may be awarded biennially but not more often.

Medals and Awards Nomination Form

Blakely Smith Medalists

2019       Richard D'Souza

2017       John Stiff

2015      Dr. Brian Malcolm Sharples


2013      Carl Arne Carlsen

2011      Charles N. Springett

2009      Dietmar R. Deter 

2007      Howard Shatto

2005      Roderick J. Allan

2003      Michael M. Bernitsas

2001      Robert G. Bea

1999      William T. Bennett, Jr.

1997      Walter H. Michel*

1995      F. Tim Pease

1993      Bruce G. Collipp

1991      Allyn C. Vine*

1989      John E. Flipse

1987      Alan C. McClure*

1985      John A. Mercier

1983      Joe W. Key

1981      Ben C. Gerwick, Jr*

1979      Blakely Smith*