Meet Captain
RONALD J. SHORT
Licensed USCG United States Merchant | Marine Officer | USCG Qualified Instructor


MASTER
STEAM OR MOTOR VESSELS --- 1,600 TONS, OCEANS
Highly proficient, motivated and dynamic licensed Master demonstrating notable expertise in vessel management. Possessing both international and coastal experience with exposure to multifarious industry related operations and vessel types including but not limited to: passenger; supply, oceanographic; break bulk; and a special purpose explosive carrier. Astute ability to maintain effective working relationships with all departments aboard the vessel and within the company through utilizing active listening and social perceptiveness ensuring common operational objectives are satisfied. Responsible, dependable individual with a high energy, hands on approach to management. Having excellent communication skills and a proven ability to assess, train, and motivate officers and crew. Highly respected for possessing sound judgment and employing critical thinking during vessel operations. Active in acquiring knowledge of new technology and industry trends. Proactive, results driven individual committed to undertake a new and challenging role
Technology summary: Navigational Software; Microsoft Office; Internet; email. Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows; Apple Mac
- Master of Steam or Motor Vessels, 1,600 tons, Oceans
- Dynamic Positioning Induction
- Train-The-Trainer
- Safety Training Certificate (STCW-95)
- Vessel Security Officer (VSO, VPDSD)
- Twin Jet Drive Experience
- ECDIS
- Tow Operator Assessment Record (TOAR)
- Radar Observer (Unlimited)
- Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting
- CPR and First Aid (Current)
- GMDSS Operator (STCW) ARPA
- PADI Suba Instructor
- Gulf Safe / SEMS
Vessel | Vessel Specifications | Compliment | Position |
---|---|---|---|
Oceanographic Research
Vessel,
R/V Oceanus
|
Gross Tonnage 260 Domestic; 177 ft length; 1 EMD Diesel main
Engine @ 3,000 SHP; 350 HP Omni-Thruster; CP Propeller.
|
12 Crew
19 Science party
|
Captain
|
Small Passenger Vessel
Safari Endeavour
|
Gross Tonnage 99 Domestic; 1425 IT; Length: 200 ft.:Main
Engines Cat 3512 x2: Generators 350 KW X 2: Bow Thruster 250
HP Omini Thruster: Twin Shaft
|
88 Passenger
37 Crew
|
Captain
|
OSV Kerry Gros
|
Gross Tonnage: 299 ton; length: 180 ft.; Main Engines: (2) GM 16V149 na.; 2000 HP.; Twin Shaft, Fixed Pitch; Bow Thruster; (2) GM 16V149 na, 300 HP.
|
Crew: 5
Passengers: 12
|
Captain
|
OSV Emily G
|
Gross Tonnage: 199 ton; length: 159 feet; Main Engines (2) Caterpillar D 398, 1700 HP; Twin Shaft, Fixed Pitch Bow Thruster: Caterpillar 3306 cat; Beier DP1
|
Crew: 4
Passengers: 17
|
2rd Captain
|
Small Passenger Vessel M/V Yorktown
|
Gross Tonnage: 97 ton; length: 257 feet; Main Engines: 2x GMC V1692, 1899 HP; Twin Shaft, Fixed Pitched. Bow Thruster: 350 HP, Variable Pitch
|
Crew: 46
Passengers: 116
|
Master
|
Offshore Supply Vessel
|
Gross Tonnage: 295 ton; Length: 196 feet; Main Engines: 2x Caterpillar 3516, 565 hp each; Bow & Stern Thrusters; White Gill 401, 9500 LBS @ 360 degrees, 600 HP each. SIMRAD SDP 600, Kongsberg DP1
|
Crew: 5
|
Mate
|
Oceanographic Vessel R/V Point Sur
|
Gross Tonnage: 395 ton; Length: 135 feet; Main Engines: 2x Caterpillar 379TA marine diesel engines, 565 hp each; Propulsion: Twin Shaft, controllable pitch
|
Crew: 7
Marine Technicians: 2
Scientific Personnel: 11
Class: Day Passengers: 40
|
Master
|
Expedition Cruise Ship Twin Vessels: M/V Sea Lion & M/V Sea Bird
|
Gross Tonnage: 99.5 ton; Length: 152 feet; Propulsion: Twin Shaft, Fixed Pitch. 1 Bow Thruster
|
Crew: 22
Passengers: 72
|
Master
|
Break-Bulk Freighter M/V Coastal Trader
|
Gross Tonnage: 495 Tons; Length: 205 feet; Main Engine: , Propulsion: Twin Shaft
|
Crew: 7
|
Master (80%)
Chief Mate (20%)
|
Special Purpose Explosives Carrier
|
Gross Tonnage: 375 ton; Length: 135 feet; Propulsion: Twin Shaft
|
Crew: 5
|
Relief Master (40%)
Chief Mate (60%)
|
Oceanographic Research – Oregon State University
Research Vessel
Sept 2015 – Dec 2017
Captain – R/V Oceanus
Operating a 260 GT, 177 ft. regional class research vessel along the west coast of north America including Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. Trained, developed, managed, and evaluated performance of seven-member crew. Oversaw deck watches, ship handling, and safety/emergency procedures. Interfaced with marine technicians to ensure safe operation and facilitate communication between scientific party and vessel crew.
UN-Cruise Adventures – Seattle, WA
Adventure Tourism
Jan 2014 – Aug 2015
Captain – M/V Safari Endeavour
Operating a 99 GT, 1425 ITC, 200 foot small passenger Southeast Alaska. In charge Of 37 crew member in domestic and foreign markets. Directed crew training, vessel maneuvering, navigation, deck watches, and emergency procedures. Managed performance of 37-person crew. Served as watch officer.
Kevin Gros Offshore – Larose, LA
Oil Supply Vessel: Emily G and Kerry Gros
Sept 2013 – Jan 2014
Captain – Offshore Supply Vessel: OSV Emily G
Operating 199-ton, 159-foot support vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Performed watch officer duties in both manual ship handling and DP mode. Setup and watch keeping of Beier DP1 (Emily G) system and maintenance of service file. Maintained navigational charts and completed daily administration duties. Supervised workload of AB’s onboard ensuring compliance with local and international maritime laws and ship safety policies. Vessel is not DP class certified.
Explorer Maritime Cruises - New York, NY
Educational based cruises that focus on regional history
Oct 2012 – Aug 2013
Master – Cruise Vessel: M/V Yorktown
Managed operations of 97-ton, 257-foot educational based cruise ship transporting 116 passengers to destinations including Great lakes, Atlantic Seaboard to Jacksonville, FL., Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River to Memphis, TN. Directed crew training, vessel maneuvering, navigation, deck watches, and emergency procedures. Managed performance of 46-person crew. Served as watch officer.
Dale Martin Offshore – Lafayette, LA
0
Oct 2011 – Nov 2011
Mate – Offshore Supply Vessel: OSV “DMO Pappy”
Operating 295-ton, 196-foot support vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Performed watch officer duties in both manual ship handling and DP1 mode. In charge of up-keep and testing of Kongsberg DP1 system and maintenance of service file. Maintained navigational charts and completed daily administration duties. Supervised workload of AB’s onboard ensuring compliance with local and international maritime laws and ship safety policies.
MOSS LANDING MARINE LABORATORIES (SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY) – Moss Landing, CA
Member of UNOLS, consortium of 61 academic institutions involved in federally funded oceanographic research. (Retired)
2004 – 2011
Master, Marine Operations – Oceanographic Vessel: R/V “Point Sur”
Directed all operations of 395-ton, 135-foot research vessel. Trained, developed, managed, and evaluated performance of seven-member crew. Oversaw deck watches, ship handling, and safety/emergency procedures. Interfaced with marine technicians to ensure safe operation and facilitate communication between scientific party and vessel crew.
Alaskan Fly Fisher - M/V Fly Fisher
Sport Fly Fishing Charter Business
2002 – 2004
Owner, Master – Fly Fishing guide service operating in Southeast Alaska
Operated a 70-foot Hatteras in Southeast Alaska. Provided fly fishing guide services to 6 guests. Family partnership.
R.J. Short – Langley, WA
Freelance consulting services for maritime safety training companies
2001 – 2002
Maritime Instructor
Taught groups of maritime companies’ employees on basic safety training, firefighting, CPR, first aid, survival at sea, hazardous materials, crowd management. Addressed student inquiries and evaluated progress.
LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS – Seattle, WA
Adventurous travel package provider that partnered with National Geographic.
1996 – 2001
Master – Cruise Vessel: M/V “Sea Lion” and M/V “Sea Bird”
Managed operations of 99.5-ton, 152-foot expedition cruise ship transporting 72 passengers to destinations including Glacier Bay, Canadian Inland Waterway, Puget Sound, Columbia River, Snake River, Baja California, Mexico, and Pacific Ocean. Directed crew training, vessel maneuvering, navigation, deck watches, and emergency procedures. Managed performance of 22-person crew. Served as watch officer.
Master, Marine Operations Oceanographic Vessel: R/V “Point Sur”
2004 – 2011
Master Cruise Vessel: M/V “Sea Lion” and M/V “Sea Bird”
1996 – 2001
Captain with Coastal Transportation in Seattle, WA
1991 - 1996
Mate/Relief Captain with Explosives Technology International (formerly E.I. DuPont) in Ketchikan, AK
1986 -1991
Chief Mate/Relief Captain with Exploration Cruise Lines
1983 - 1986
Mate/Relief Captain with Offshore Tanker Service in Santa Barbara, CA
1980
Marine Electrician/Relief Captain with Roy Hauser in Santa Barbara, CA
1980
Captain with C&C Boats in Santa Barbara, CA
1978 - 1980
Captain Ron’s approach to maritime operations and consulting is built on three foundational principles
Integrity
Clear communication, honest evaluations, and trustworthy guidance
Precision
Attention to detail, technical mastery, and procedural accuracy
Responsibility
Safety-first mindset with strong accountability and judgment
My Recommendations
— Heroic Maritime Rescue & Rapid Response
Your alertness and professionalism were directly responsible for the rapid recovery and medical care of two men from the frigid waters near the Columbia River. Despite the tragic loss of one, you can be justifiably proud for saving a life. Your dedication and resourcefulness make the sea a safer place.
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Captain M.P. Farrell
— U.S. Coast Guard
— Emergency Readiness Leadership
Your efforts to improve the firefighting and rescue skills of the crew through collaborative drills with local fire departments have significantly enhanced their ability to respond effectively in emergencies. Your leadership and initiative are commendable.
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Richard Muller
— Marine Superintendent
— Master Navigator with Unmatched Professionalism
Ron is a self-starter, energetic, and capable of approaching tasks with enthusiasm through to their conclusion. His navigational ability and boat handling skills are outstanding, and his professionalism is unmatched.
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Dale Pihlman
— Owner/Manager
— Elite Shiphandling & Operational Precision
I was impressed with Ron’s expert shiphandling and the meticulous care he gave to the vessels he captained. His working knowledge of maritime rules and his professionalism make him an asset to any maritime operation.
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James R. Stith, Chief Mate
— Alaska Marine Highway System
— Commanding Leadership in Oceanographic Research
Ron Short’s career as captain of the research vessel Point Sur showcases his dedication to maritime research and safety. His ability to manage advanced equipment and lead a crew of eight while accommodating researchers highlights his exceptional leadership and expertise.
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Silas Spaeth
— Journalist
— U.S. Coast Guard–Certified Maritime Training Authority
We have evaluated Mr. Short’s qualifications and granted approval for him to teach Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, and Basic Fire Fighting courses. His expertise and professionalism are evident in his work.
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Perry A. Stutman
— Chief, Examination Administration Branch
MY KEY QUALITies
Captain Ron Short
Maritime Consultant
Need trusted maritime guidance, litigation support, or operational clarity?
Captain Ron Short brings the expertise you can count on.
- +1 (509) 731-6557
- [email protected]
- 10812 Summitview Ext. Yakima, WA 98908.
Reach out now and