MARITIME
EXPERT WITNESS

Growing up on the waters and beaches of Florida, I was instantly drawn to the ocean at a very young age.  Whether that involved chasing schools of fish, swimming with dolphins, or surfing the waves, a career involving the ocean was my choice.

At the young age of 18, I received a congressional nomination to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.  As one of the nation’s five service academies, Kings Point is to the Merchant Marine, what West Point is to the Army, and Annapolis is to the Navy.  It is a premier education institution where all students attend on a full scholarship.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, a license as a merchant marine officer, and a commission in the US Navy Reserve, I began my professional life at sea.  Quickly working my way through the ranks from Third Officer up to Master, I transitioned to shoreside positions in ship management, classification, and flag-state administration.

Having over 30 years of shipboard and shoreside experience and dealing with thousands of different people across multiple cultures and demographics, I have gained the unique trait to easily explain and teach complicated topics.  My audiences have ranged from the Board of Directors to seasoned Technical Staff in the field to new green crew having just made their first view of the sea. 

This ability to translate complicated topics into simple, layman’s terms, both in written reports and verbal explanations, has allowed me, as a maritime expert witness, to assist lawyers, judges, juries, and arbitration boards to fully understand and comprehend the issues before them.