I earned my Unlimited Tonnage Master Mariner License from the United Kingdom in 1978. I sailed as a Captain on multi purpose and tanker vessels, as well as bulk carriers for about seven years before coming ashore to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1985, at which time, I started MARiTECH COMMERCIAL, INC., a marine surveying and consulting company focusing on conducting Independent marine/cargo surveys, claims investigation (including major hull/cargo and machinery damage claims, investigations for salvage, grounding, fire, collision, allusion, general average, etc), pre-purchase surveys, providing services of Port Captain and consulting to various international Shipping Companies, NVOCC's, Charterers, brokers, Steamship Agencies, Freight Forwarders, Shippers and Consignees. In my capacity alone, I have surveyed over 5,000 ships and supervised/guided my worldwide teams in conducting thousands more each year. In addition, from 2004 to 2007, I owned and operated MARITIME COMMERCIAL STEVEDORING, INC., providing stevedoring services to consignees and shippers. In this capacity, we handled 50 ships unloading coal, cement, steel products, and loading/strapping grain, without a single injury or cargo damage claim. Lastly, I have provided expert witness testimony in federal, state, and arbitration cases.