Pilots captain Ian McFadden and captain Ian Osborne, crew chief Graham Nickisson, aircrewman Peter Praniess and rescue crewmen Glen Ramplin and Nathan Langham were awarded Certificates Citing Acts of Bravery for their part in the rescue of the stranded 22 crewmen.

The rescue involved using two Westpac helicopters to winch the crew to safety in gale force winds and high seas.

All crew were rescued safely and without injury.

The Australian Government nominated the team for the award in April and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the recognition was deserved.

“The courage and commitment of rescue workers often goes unnoticed – I am very glad that on this occasion, their acts of bravery have been recognised and rewarded by the world's highest maritime body,” he said.

The coal carrier was due to enter the Port of Newcastle to load 58,000 tonnes of coal when it was beached at Nobbys Beach off Newcastle during gale force winds and high seas on June 8 last year.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report recently concluded the sea master of the Pasha Bulker had made a number of decisions “contrary to the principles and practice of good seamanship” and that had these been made differently, the grounding could have been avoided.