Trident Marine Associates

Formed sub-contracting relationship with Tommy Laing, NAMS-CMS, and have performed various condition and value surveys for insurance and banking purposes and a single damage survey with claim estimate of $250,000 (constructive total loss).

Michael formed a mentoring relationship with Bill Padie and served an 18-month apprenticeship, and subsequently has performed a wide range of marine surveys including numerous condition and value surveys on vessels with values up to $22M, damage surveys for underwriters to $2.9M, and on and off-hire surveys on tugs, barges, utility vessels and construction equipment. On/Off-hire and damage surveys have included third-party representation and joint survey exposure. Michael has also recently performed a limited number of "Trip in Tow" surveys and P & I Club entry condition surveys (West of England).

Beginning in 2001, Michael carried out management and vessel audits under the tutelage of Mr. Padie.

In March of 2004, Michael became an approved RCP Auditor. Also in March 2004, Michael was certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS Consulting) to perform internal audits of the ISM Code and ISO 9001.

In addition to RCP Audits, Michael has performed numerous security plan audits (46 CFR Part 104) and a more limited number of safety management audits (ISM).

Michael was a member of SNAME Ad Hoc Panel # 12, chartered to seek improvement in commercial fishing vessel safety from an operational perspective. Michael was been appointed as the group leader for the maintenance and inspection element of the panel work, and authored several SNAME working papers including machinery maintenance and inspection, safety equipment maintenance and inspection, drydock inspections, and internal hull inspections. Further, Michael has also authored recommended pre-departure, monthly safety equipment, and drydock inspection checklists.

Michael has always been passionate about vessel safety, and through the work of the panel was able to establish himself in the field of fishing vessel safety management. Michael is currently working on a book as a side project called "Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety-A Practical Guide to Inspection, Maintenance and Operations". To date the draft is 57,000 words and 150 pages.

In 1999, Michael became a USCG-approved fishing vessel examiner (46 CFR Part 28).

Michael completed a 14-month, college-accredited, distance learning course in marine surveying from the International Institute of Marine Surveyors and the National Sea Training Centre (UK). Michael earned two undergraduate diplomas with accreditation specializing in Small Craft Surveys (< 150’), and an additional accreditation (with Merit) in Engineering Surveys.

Nine core modules included the following subjects; Marine Business, Surveying Practice, Effective Writing, Naval Architecture, Marine Insurance/Maritime Law, Incident Investigations, Safety Surveys, Structural Surveys and Basic Engineering Surveys.

Formed a marine surveying and consulting firm providing hull and machinery condition surveys and other marine-related technical services.

Appointments have included damage surveys, commercial vessel condition & value surveys, a single P & I Club Entry Survey (Steamship), fishing vessel safety examinations, (46 CFR Part 28), litigation support, charter surveys, security audits, Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) audits, and internal audits of the ISM Code

Michael has been accepted in Federal Court as an expert witness in the field of industry practices relating to machinery, vessel construction and maintenance.

Upon retirement, became Engineering Consultant on a retainer basis for Stellar Seafoods, Inc. (Seven Seas Fishing Company. (See below for related information).

Michael joined the 314-foot, "Stellar Sea", as owner representative during a $25M conversion from a three-hatch freighter into a fish-processing factory ship. The vessel is classed DNV A1. Assured compliance to construction specifications, and upon completion, assumed position as chief engineer with responsibility for supervision of engineering staff of eleven, contractors and vendors. Michael authored several OSHA compliance plans including Hot Work, Respiratory Plan and Confined Space Entry. Was responsible for all machinery on board including processing equipment.

Became Department Head of Engineering in 2000, and provided administration of engineering personnel, purchasing, budgeting projections, compliance with statutory and class regulations, maintenance programs and schedules, safety programs, and company policy. Also had similar maintenance management oversight on other company vessels; the 245 ft fish processor "Blue Wave", and 175 ft stern trawler/crabber "AJ".

Performed periodic project management functions for new factory and other machinery installations, annual repair/maintenance, and shipyard maintenance. It is relevant to note that Michael answered directly to the company president, an accountant.

Served as Chief engineer on 240ft fish processor "Ocean Pride". Responsible for all machinery on board including processing equipment. Supervised engineering staff of seven. Declined offer of permanent position.

Chief engineer on nine refrigerated coastal freighters. The vessels were new construction, or converted military and oil industry vessels to 200 ft. Responsible for all machinery on board including deck and cargo equipment.

Michael eventually served as engineer on 28 vessels including several Voith-Schneider tractor tugs. He held several different positions while advancing through the Foss fleet, including; ordinary seaman, able-bodied seaman, boatswain, deckhand, deckhand-engineer, designated engineer, chief engineer and owner representative. Michael wrote detailed machinery operating procedures for two separate classes of tugs for use as company standard. Received training in fire fighting, seamanship, navigation and piloting, boat-handling, engine/system maintenance and troubleshooting. Michael attended factory EMD training at LaGrange, Illinois (1985).

It is relevant to note that early in his career, Michael aspired to becoming a deck officer and was generally regarded as being among the most competent deck personnel in the Foss fleet. Michael began sailing as chief engineer at age 27 (1984).

Attended training at Fort Eustis, VA, in seamanship, small boat piloting/navigation, boat handling and firefighting. Michael earned Distinguished Graduate honors.

Chief Engineer, 5000 hp, Limited, Ocean, U.S.C.G. (1988)

Assistant Engineer, 3000 hp, Limited, U.S.C.G. (1984)

Able-Bodied Seaman-Tugs and Towboats, Any Waters, U.S.C.G. (1978)

"Third-Party Examiner" for commercial fishing vessel safety examinations, U.S.C.G. (1999)

"Auditor" of American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program (2004)

"Internal Auditor" certified by ABS Consulting to perform internal audits of the ISM/ISO 9001Code (2004)

Diplomas in Small Craft, Engineering (with Merit) Marine Surveying from the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (2001)

Certification by Det Nordske Veritas (DNV) to perform "surveys by chief engineer" (2000)*