In 1873, firms representing all facets of the commercial maritime industry in New York City created the Maritime Association of the Port of New York. Empowered by an act of State Legislature, the Maritime Association was tasked with operating as a Marine Exchange aimed to report ship arrivals, departures, and movements to and from other ports. The Association placed Lookouts, people strategically placed around the harbor with telescopes to account for the location of vessels and the activity of vessels in and around the port. 

Along the way, the Maritime Association of the Port of New York changed its name to include New Jersey to match the broader scope of vessel activity happening in the greater Port of New York and New Jersey. Today, Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey, MAPONY/NJ, Lookouts are still on watch, reporting vessel arrivals, departures, berth assignments, and transits within the port, seven days a week. This information is then disseminated to stakeholders, members of MAPONY/NJ and reported to the public. 

The very nature of the MAPONY/NJ Lookout is to monitor port activity and provide a glimpse into the future. This type of visionary work spurred the creation of the International Maritime Hall of Fame in 1995 and bestowed upon inducted recipients the Lookout Award.

The International Maritime Hall of Fame Lookout Award is presented to visionaries of the 21st century who exemplify the qualities of a futuristic thought leader for the maritime industry through excellence in their careers. Their contributions to the industry are recognized by the guests at the award ceremony and the industry.