VENTURA, Calif., January 19, 2015 – A local company that is part of the country’s largest recreational boat towing network helping boaters get safely home was singled out for its professionalism at the BoatUS Towing Services Annual Conference last night in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Tower of the Year honors went to Vessel Assist Ventura, which is owned and operated by Captain Paul Amaral. The company, which has a second location in Oxnard, was recognized for its near perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, superior customer service and satisfaction, and ongoing towing case management, and its work in the local boating community.

Much like an auto club for boaters, Vessel Assist gives recreational boaters and anglers a reliable way to call for assistance when their boats break down on the water, run out of gas, or run aground. Amaral’s locally owned business is part of a nationwide professional network of over 300 locations and fleet of over 600 TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist towboats.

For this year’s honors, “Capt. Amaral earned consistently high marks for his positive working relationships with local government, boating community and our headquarters staff – all of which directly benefit our members,” said BoatUS Vice President and Director of Towing Services Adam Wheeler.

Capt. Amaral also received the backing of his local boating community. Said Officer Higgins of the Ventura Harbor Patrol, “Capt. Amaral demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, education, dedication and community support unrivaled by other private businesses…he’s always ready to respond to unanswered radio calls, heading out at all hours and weather conditions. “Paul is truly a gentleman who cares for boaters,” added Senior Patrol Officer Pat Hummer. Chief Dennise Werre of USCG Sector Los Angeles, said, “Paul’s wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in working search and rescue cases.”

Both of Amaral’s Vessel Assist locations can be hailed on VHF channel 16 or reached by calling the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, and via smartphone with the free BoatUS Towing App. BoatUS is also the only towing service that offers services with both SPOT and DeLorme inReach satellite communication devices. More information can be found at BoatUS.com/towing or call 800-888-4869.