A marine operations, safety, and training expert with more than thirty years experience in the marine industry. Licensed merchant ship Captain and 30-year Navy Reserve Officer with extensive knowledge of maritime industry safety and training regulations. Experience includes eleven years as a subject matter expert in federal civil service with the U.S. Coast Guard, and ten years at the State University of New York Maritime College as an instructor in all aspects of merchant ship navigational operations and general vessel safety. Recreational (power and sail) boat and Personal Water Craft (PWC) experience. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2015 to Robson Forensic, Inc. present Associate Provide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation with regard to the operation, maintenance & repair, and safety practices of commercial and recreational vessels. 2011 to Self-Employed Maritime Industry Consultant present in the Line of Maritime Education & Training Teach structured classes in classroom, simulator and lab environments, including: Advanced Shiphandling Advanced Stability Advanced Cargo Operations Advanced Meteorology Modern Collision Avoidance (RADAR) Classic Collision Avoidance (Rules of the Road) Modern Electronic Navigation Classic Celestial Navigation Classic Terrestrial Navigation Shipboard Firefighting and Fire Safety Rescue Boat Operations Survival Craft (Life Boat and Life Raft) Operations Seamanship (at all levels of shipboard employment) Preparation Seminar for the Deck Officer License Exam Develop course content for instruction to senior Merchant Marine officers and other commercial vessel operators, keeping up to date with new regulations and technology. Advise administrators of training institutions as to curriculum content. Advise instructors as to course content and exam structure. Provide exam-prep tutoring service for Merchant Marine license candidates. Provide advice to companies operating towing vessels and small passenger vessels concerning maintenance, repair and preparing vessels for inspection. 03/19/15 1 www.robsonforensic.com
2005 to U.S. Coast Guard, Analysis Division, Office of Investigation 2011 Maritime Education & Training Subject Matter Expert (in federal civil service) Program Analyst - Marine Safety Analysis of the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement data base, utilizing big data analytics Cognos Business Intelligence (BI) software to track frequency of deficiencies identified during commercial vessel inspections. Specific accomplishments include: Assessment and analysis of accident and pollution data pertinent to mishaps in the maritime industry to develop a better understanding of how accidents and other reportable incidents occur on Merchant Marine vessels and those U.S. Naval Ships that are operated by civilian crews. Author of articles published in the Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council. Subject matters include: Analysis of a Capsizing Incident while Loading Cargo, Loss of Stability, Summer 2008 Safe Handling and Transportation of Hazardous Cargoes in Bulk, Understanding Ethyl Alcohol, Spring 2010 Presented a brief dissertation to the Marine Subpanel of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) using Loss of Propulsion as a platform for why better regulation-making is in order for requiring effective Safety Management Systems. Researched causes of fires aboard commercial vessels to identify common circumstances to start as part to support requirements for firefighter training. Provided direct support as liaison to the Navy's Military Sealift Command and the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration concerning the safety and well-being of government-owned vessels carrying government cargo and/or military personnel and materiel. Advised the Coast Guard's Drug and Alcohol Program manager as to the population of bona-fide Marine Employers whose employees are required to be drug-tested, which included management of the data pertaining to both employer and employee. Analyzed data related to inspection and investigation events so appropriations can be made for payroll and billeting. Collateral Duty: Volunteer (civilian) watch-stander on an Incident Management Team in the Command Center at USCG headquarters, which requires National Incident Management Team training and certification. IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System IS-700.a Introduction to National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-701.a NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS) Course IS-703.a NIMS Resource Management IS-800 National Response Framework 03/19/15 2 www.robsonforensic.com
2001 to U.S. Coast Guard, Mariner Assessment Division, National Maritime Center 2005 Maritime Education & Training Subject Matter Expert (in federal civil service) Produced written examinations to test the knowledge of prospective vessel operators, including Merchant Marine Deck Officers and the Deck Officers on Military Sealift Command and Maritime Administration ships. Maintained database of the 14,000 multiple choice questions from which these exams are generated, including 2,000 questions pertaining to occupational health and safety, and marine inspections. Developed new exam questions, in keeping with changes in regulations and new developments in technology, and retired obsolete questions. The new questions subject matter pertained to shipboard security and terrorism prevention, and to cargo operations on Large Medium-Speed Roll-on Roll-off (LMSR) ships. Developed over one hundred new Environmental Safety & Health questions pertaining to fire prevention, fire-fighting, and response to oil and chemical spills. Authored an article published in the Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council: Determining the Competency of Prospective Merchant Marine Officers, Mariner Documentation Program, Summer 2005. 1983 to United States Navy Reserve 2003 Navy Reserve Officer, attained at rank of Captain Recalled to Active Duty for Special Work on large scale logistics projects serving on the Chief of Naval Operation s staff, as head of the Assessment & Analysis Branch (OPNAV N-421), July 2010 through February 2011. Active duty experience in underway replenishment and fleet operations. Five two-week active duty periods at Military Sealift Command Headquarters, responsible for developing and improving existing safety training policies for naval cargo and tank ships. Five two week active duty periods at Maritime Administration Headquarters, responsible for development of business practice policies aboard government cargo and tank ships. Four two week active duty periods as a member of a Naval Reserve Augmentation Management Team at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where duties and responsibilities focused on general safety inspections including: fire hazards, personal injury hazards, and asbestos safe handling procedures. 1991 to State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College 2001 Instructor of Ship Operations Represented SUNY Maritime College on the Working Committee of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Task Force to develop the twoweek (70+ hour) GMDSS training program at the national level. Incorporated the course into the curriculum at SUNY Maritime College. 03/19/15 3 www.robsonforensic.com
Provided both shipboard and classroom instruction on preparation of commercial vessels and Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels for Coast Guard vessel inspections; including the use of the volumes of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs). Provided instruction on the technical similarities and differences between the CFRs containing the Coast Guard regulations for cargo ships, and those containing regulations for the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA). Pioneered instruction in use of ship's bridge simulator to teach Collision Avoidance. Provided instruction in Radar Navigation and Rules of the Road training using Norcontrol and Buffalo Computer Graphics equipment with Raytheon and Sperry radar sets. Analyzed contract bids for new telecommunications Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) simulator suite. Extensive experience teaching Navigation and Ship Operations; including shipboard instruction in standing navigation watches aboard the Training Ship Empire State. Served on various academic committees including the Curriculum Committee which focused on curriculum development. Significantly updated the Deck License curriculum with regard to modern electronic navigational practices while spending four years teaching modern electronic navigation including: RADAR with Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) GPS (Global Positioning Systems) Electron Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) and pioneer in the field of teaching Electronic Nautical Charts in general. Archaic or obsolete electronic navigation systems taught include Radio Direction Finder (RDF), LORAN, SatNav, Decca and Omega. Provided expertise and mentored fellow faculty members in Celestial and other navigation subject matter. 1987 to George G. Sharp, Inc., Naval Architects and Marine Engineers 1988 General Naval Engineer As General Engineer on a Quality Maintenance-Monitoring project: Systems & Equipment Maintenance Monitoring for Surface Ships (SEMMSS), utilized inspection data to develop a quality-management program to monitor the wear indicators of engineering machinery on Ticonderoga-class (CG-47) cruisers, Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-52) destroyers, and naval cargo ships under the jurisdiction of Military Sealift Command. 03/19/15 4 www.robsonforensic.com
As part of Risk-Based Maintenance & Inspections, which lengthened life spans of vital shipboard machinery and improved safety conditions for vessel personnel, provided the Navy with improved record keeping methodology to track system operating parameters and the condition of individual pieces of shipboard equipment and machinery. 1978 to A. F. L. Associates 1979 Jet Ski Mechanic Instructed people renting recreational personal watercraft (PWC) in the safety basics and the operation of the craft. Maintained the PWC vessels. Developed a basic PWC maintenance system for lubricating steering and throttle mechanisms. 1974 to Nelson s Sailing Yachts 1977 Sail Boat Maintenance Worker Performed general maintenance and repairs on 22 through 27 foot recreational sloop-rigged sail boats. Maintenance included bright work, detailing, and rigging. Assisted the crane operator in safely loading boats onto trailer; and safetychecked the trailer. PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS Licensed Captain of Merchant Ships: Master of Vessels of Any Gross Tons, upon Oceans renewed March 2014. Since 1999, the accompanying Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate has indicated that the license is appropriate for all oceangoing vessels with Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) radio equipment and radars with Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA). Additional certificates include Advanced Shipboard Firefighting. Licensed Radio Transmitter Technician: General Radiotelephone Operator (a license typically held by broadcast engineers) with Ship Radar Technician Endorsement. EDUCATION M.S. in Transportation Management, SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, Bronx, NY, 2000 B.S. in Meteorology and Oceanography, SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, Bronx, NY, 1983 03/19/15 5 www.robsonforensic.com
AWARDS Military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, which was awarded for lifesaving in 2005. Of the four people in the 17-foot recreational boat that hit a ship, two were killed on impact and the other two were rescued. The rescue work included recovery of the deceased and removal of the wrecked boat which would have been a hazard to navigation and a potential pollution source. OTHER Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Task Force. Member of the subcommittee that structured and implemented (then) the new subject of GMDSS into the curricula at all maritime training institutions, 1995-2001. SUNY Maritime College Faculty Committee Member: Curriculum Committee, 1991-1996 Faculty Policies Committee, 1992-1995 Committee on Appointments and Promotions, 1996-1999 Department Advisory Committee, 1996-1999 Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee MERPAC, a partnership committee of the US Coast Guard and the commercial maritime industry. Active participant in MERPAC working groups concerned with mariner training, 2014-present. Emergency Medical Technician Certification, 1980-1983 COURSES TAUGHT Advanced Shiphandling Advanced Stability Advanced Cargo Operations Advanced Meteorology Modern Collision Avoidance (RADAR) Classic Collision Avoidance (Rules of the Road) Modern Electronic Navigation Classic Celestial Navigation Classic Terrestrial Navigation Shipboard Firefighting and Fire Safety Rescue Boat Operations Survival Craft (Life Boat and Life Raft) Operations Seamanship (at all levels of shipboard employment) Preparation Seminar for the Deck Officer License Exam 03/19/15 6 www.robsonforensic.com
APPROVED BY THE U.S. COAST GUARD TO TEACH THE FOLLOWING COURSES Able Seaman Advanced Cargo Operations Advanced Meteorology Advanced Navigation Advanced Shiphandling Advanced Stability Advanced Watchkeeping (Management Level) Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Apprentice Mate (Steersman) Upgrade (16-Hr.) ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) Assistance Towing Auxiliary Sail Basic Fire Fighting Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems Basic Training Revalidation Bridge Resource Management Cargo Handling & Stowage (Operational Level) Celestial Navigation Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Combined Vessel Company & Facility Security Officer Crisis Management & Human Behavior Crowd Management Electronic Navigation Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) License Renewal (Not More Than 100 Gross Tons) Magnetic & Gyro Compasses Maritime Security Awareness Marlinspike Seamanship Master 100 Tons Meteorology For Mariners (Operational Level) Navigation & Deck General Supplemental Officer In Charge Of A Navigational Watch Assessment Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Personal Survival Techniques Proficiency In Survival Craft Proficiency In Survival Craft (Restricted) Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Observer Recertification Radar Observer Refresher Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch Rating Forming Part Of A Navigational Watch Assessments Rules Of The Road Search & Rescue (Operational Level) Ship Construction & Basic Stability Shipboard Management Ships Business & Maritime Law Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation Upgrade Master 100 Tons To Master 200 Tons (Near Coastal) Upgrade OUPV To Master 100 Tons Vessel Personnel With Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Voyage Planning & Electronic Navigation Watchkeeping (Operational Level) 03/19/15 7 www.robsonforensic.com
PUBLICATIONS Described the sinking and subsequent rescue of the crew from an alcohol tank ship: Saburn, Brendan. Understanding Ethyl Alcohol. Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council 67.1 (Spring 2010): 28-29. U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings. Web. http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/archive/2010/ Reconstructed the capsizing of the heavy-lift ship Stellamare while loading cargo: Saburn, Brendan. Loss of Stability. A Ship Capsizes while Loading Cargo. Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council 65.2 (Summer 2008): 67-74. U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings. Web. http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/archive/2008/ Explained the philosophy concerning written exams and practical assessments for determining the competency of prospective Merchant Marine officers and other commercial vessel operators: Saburn, Brendan. Mariner Documentation Program. Licensing and Documentation Examinations. Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council 62.2 (Summer 2005): 22-24. U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings. Web. http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/archive/2005/ Determined the Top Ten most common inspection deficiencies (by inspection subchapter) as found by Coast Guard marine inspectors. This is publicly available on the Coast Guard's Homeport web, http://homeport.uscg.mil From Missions, click on Investigations then click Safety Reports. Recognized in the authorship credits to the American Practical Navigator (better known by the family name of its original author, Bowditch ) for writing the articles detailing how to determine compass error at sea by celestial observation. The articles in the 2012 on-line edition are numbered as they were when they were first published in the 2002 hardback Bicentennial Edition. 1703. Amplitudes 1704. Amplitude of the Sun on the Celestial Horizon 1705. Amplitude of the Sun on the Visible Horizon 1706. Amplitude by Calculation 03/19/15 8 www.robsonforensic.com