Captain M. J. Hight
Mission Statement
To provide prudent, effective, ethical, transparent & comprehensive consulting / expert witness services related to maritime navigation, safety, security & environmental compliance issues necessary to ensure all aspects of client needs.
Principal – Captain M. J. Hight
Education, Licenses & Certifications
- 1994 Graduate Maine Maritime Academy, BS Nautical Science / BA Minor
- Unlimited Master of United States Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans (April 2006 to July 2013)
- Lieutenant Commander United States Naval Reserve (Honorably Discharged).
Personal Note
Over the course of a twenty-five plus year career in the maritime industry, in multiple segments of the maritime industry, I have developed a broad range of experience. It is through this experience and knowledge base I am able to offer clients an effective means to improve, enhance and streamline operations both afloat and ashore in order to prevent compliance failure(s) or mitigate & correct past failing(s) with applicable regulatory bodies, legal antagonists and commercial vetting entities.
An overreaching and uncompromising aspect of my consulting practice is centered on ethical business practices no matter the cost. These are not words or a slogan, but rather a personal and professional oath. I do not subscribe to anything but the highest standards of behavior and do not deviate from this standard; sometimes at a high financial cost and legal proceeding. Clients, colleagues and business partners alike; if there is the perception of unethical behavior, in any way, I will address it. If that leads to a severed relationship, so be it. It is important my professional standard not be tarnished through any lack of integrity, whether perceived or proven. It is with this pledge I offer my expertise, service and background of knowledge to my clientele. I look forward to working with you to improve and or represent your maritime operation in any possible.
Memberships
- The Council of American Master Mariners
- Portland Marine Society
- Boston Marine Society
Notables:
- Published; Co-Author Article On Anti-Piracy Measures Aboard Ships In Spring 2012 Edition of Proceedings.
- SOCP Contributor / Speaker on Fatigue & STCW Work / Rest Hour Requirements – 2008
- Featured Speaker Maine Maritime Academy Leadership Conference – 2018
Special Projects:
Port Captain / Marine Superintendent for the Reflag of the M/V POSITANO to the M/V RICHARD I. LYON from Singapore Flag To United States Flag. Developed functional SMS & Security Plan in order to achieve USCG approval. Acted as interim Company Security Officer on contract basis until ship / contract was purchased.
Certifications
- Certified Designated Person Ashore
- Root Cause Analysis & Accident Investigation Certification Training
- Management Systems Lead Auditor (QM, EM, AU, TL) ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015
- International Instructor, Supervisor & Assessor Course Certification
- US Government Secret Security Clearance (Inactive)
- Military Sealift Command (MSC) PPTS Trained / Qualified – May 2012
- MSC LAN Manager Qualified – February 2013
- MSC Anti-Terrorism Officer Certified – February 2013
- Vessel, Company & Port Security Officer Certified – March 2008
- Small Arms / Ships Reaction Force / Watch Stander Basic & Advanced Training & Qualification
- Chemical, Biological & Radiological Defense Officer Certified – March 2013
- Advanced Fire Fighting & Damage Control Certified
- STCW 95 Certificate / TWIC
- GMDSS Licensed Operator
- ECDIS / ARPA / Bridge Resource Management – Trained & Qualified
- Manned Model Shiphandling Training – 2017
- Advanced Shiphandling For Master’s Simulator Trained – January 2009
- Fast Rescue Boat Operation – Certified
- Tankerman PIC / COW Operations Certified
- Medical PIC
Professional Experience
Crowley Technical Management – Jacksonville, Florida
MARAD Breakout Master – SS Cape Island / M/V Cape Wrath
IAW MARAD directives, assigned as Master for the turbo activation of the SS Cape Island. Conducted eight-day sea trial to ensure operational readiness of preposition government owned vessel. Liaised between owners representatives, management company officials and ROS crew to ensure seamless operations throughout activation FOS timeframe. IAW MARAD instruction, provided command authority from ROS to FOS status to ensure the safe transit of the Cape Wrath from Baltimore to Bayonne for a periodic shipyard period. Vessel activated with surge crew, drills conducted to ensure safe manning / COI requirements fulfilled.
Consulting Services
Surveying – Damage / Post Incident / P & I Condition Verification
Representative / Correspondent for Major P & I and H & M Clubs
Provide Damage Survey – Cost Estimates & Liaison With Attending Class Surveyor.
Post Accident Investigations / Interview Crew / Joint Survey / Review of VDR Evidence / Port State – USCG Liaison
Risk Assessment / Job Safety Analysis Post Accident Review
Pre-Purchase / Charter Condition Survey
Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilot (SLSPA)
First Class Pilot from Messina, NY. USA to The Welland Canal, ON. Canada. The SLSPA is identified as District 1 and governed by the USCG pilotage office in Washington under the rules set forth in the MOU between Canada & the United States for pilotage in international waters. Conducted over two hundred moves without incident. At the completion of the two year deputy pilot status period, a dispute over the business practices of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilot Association led to non-recommendation for continued registration as a District 1 US Pilot. Despite excellent evaluations and completion of all requirements, this recommendation was executed by the USCG, Director of Great Lakes Shipping.
On 06 March 2019, with the help of the Institute for Justice, a suit was filed against the Department of Homeland Security & The Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilots (As Interveners) for their disregard of the rules and requirements set forth in the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960.
Environmental Compliance – Department of Justice / USCG Liaison
Provide Post Plea Agreement Compliance Auditing
Assist Client In Meeting DOJ Requirements / USCG Enforcement
Advise Client on MARPOL Compliance
Provide Crews With Compliance Training – Oil Water Separator Use and Operation in Conjunction With Oil Record Book Keeping
Maersk Lines Limited – Norfolk, Virginia
Master, Oceanographic DP Capable Vessel – USNS Bruce C. Heezen
Upon completion of prerequisite training period for assuming command of dynamic positioning (DP) capable vessel, assumed command of vessel actively conducting oceanographic survey for the US Navy under command / control of Military Sealift Command – MSC & related US Navy area commands. Liaison between needs of customer, Naval Oceanographic Office – NAVO, MSC & operating company to ensure mission success & safety. Master’s position shiphandling intensive in order to successfully conduct multifaceted over-the-side operations in varying sea states & wind conditions. As a result of the unique propulsion system of the vessel, berthing / unberthing evolutions routinely conduct without the assistance of pilot / tugs.
Security–MTSA 2002/ISPS Advisor/Company Security Officer
Served As Contract Company Security Officer
Conduct Security Compliance Auditing Pre USCG Security Boardings
Assist Client To Address Security Deficiencies
Provide Preventative Planning / Training / VSP Review & Editing
Conduct ISPS Auditing – Risk Assessments
Develop / Author Vessel Security Plan / SSAS & Piracy Annex’s
Bluewater Crew Training
Adjunct instructor providing continuing education related to Standards Training Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) course instruction in a variety of Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved classes with focus on multiple disciplines related to the maritime industry inclusive of:
Adherence to applicable international & flag state regulations.
Safe management of personnel & equipment
Importance of following Policies & Procedures to ensure compliance to best protect life, property and the environment.
Navigation, voyage planning, weather routing.
Risk Management
Accident prevention & investigation
Assist Client Interfacing With USCG / Port State Control SIRE Vetting Inspections / Pre Inspections
Contract Port Captain On Scene For Scheduled Port State Control Boardings
Provide Pre-Vetting Inspections / Recommendations To Avoid Observations & Non-Conformities Under the OCIMF VIQ 6 Specifications to maximize on-hire charter rates
Assist in Updating HVPQ 5th Edition
Streamline Procedures Related to Cargo Transfer Operations, Ballast Operations & Tank Cleaning / Entry.
Decanting Operations Training / Procedural Review
Tank Washing Slops management & minimization.
Deepwell Pump Operation / Maintenance Instruction
Tank Entry / Pumproom Procedures Review
Oversee Tank Vessel Survey Inspections / Steel Thickness Gauging & Issuance of CAP Survey Reports.
Oversee Repair / Replacement of Tank Coating Systems and Steel Repair utilizing Gouge & Fill, Clad Welding & Inserts.
Use & Application of Storm Water Ballasting & DeBallasting Operations.
Assist in COC Renewal Inspections
Provide Assistance with Rectifying Deficiencies
Aid Client To Minimize Detentions Post PSC
Legal
Provide Case Analysis / Research Services
Case Preparation
Expert Witness
Crowley Technical Management – Jacksonville, Florida
MARAD Breakout Master – SS Cape Island / M/V Cape Wrath
IAW MARAD directives, assigned as Master for the turbo activation of the SS Cape Island. Conducted eight-day sea trial to ensure operational readiness of preposition government owned vessel. Liaised between owners representatives, management company officials and ROS crew to ensure seamless operations throughout activation FOS timeframe. IAW MARAD instruction, provided command authority from ROS to FOS status to ensure the safe transit of the Cape Wrath from Baltimore to Bayonne for a periodic shipyard period. Vessel activated with surge crew, drills conducted to ensure safe manning / COI requirements fulfilled.
Crowley Technical Management – Jacksonville, Florida
MARAD Breakout Master – SS Cape Island / M/V Cape Wrath
IAW MARAD directives, assigned as Master for the turbo activation of the SS Cape Island. Conducted eight-day sea trial to ensure operational readiness of preposition government owned vessel. Liaised between owners representatives, management company officials and ROS crew to ensure seamless operations throughout activation FOS timeframe. IAW MARAD instruction, provided command authority from ROS to FOS status to ensure the safe transit of the Cape Wrath from Baltimore to Bayonne for a periodic shipyard period. Vessel activated with surge crew, drills conducted to ensure safe manning / COI requirements fulfilled.
Interocean American Shipping, Corp. – Moorestown, New Jersey
Chief Mate / Master – Car & Truck Carriers M/V Patriot & M/V Liberty
Accepted a position as Chief Mate on the car and truck carrier RO/RO vessel M/V Patriot on Northern European to US East Coast liner service in an effort to broaden exposure within the commercial market structure. March 2006 assumed command of the M/V Liberty, 199m 51,858 GRT vessel, also on the Northern European & Middle East trades. Acted as direct POC with various port facility security structures. Evaluated threat conditions vs. port posture to determine security level and need for declaration of security. Interfaced with UKMTO, MARLO & Central Command offices throughout transits in war zone & high piracy waters off East Africa & Gulf of Aden.
Ocean Ships, Inc. – Houston, Texas
Chief Mate – Product Tanker M/V Samuel L. Cobb
After obtaining required license, promoted to Chief Mate at earliest opportunity within company structure. Assumed deck department head duties. Directly responsible for cargo & ballast operations – including directly supervising ballast water exchange mandates, preventative maintenance, tank & coating inspections, tank cleaning & entry procedures, shipyard preparations – including writing shipyard specifications, Force Protection / Anti-Terrorism / CRBD Officer– as required under MSC charter, Safety Management System training officer in accordance with ISM code. Vessel Security Officer involved in initial implementation & practical application of ISPS & MTSA code with associated training. Direct experience with Operations Pacer Goose & Deep Freeze during eleven year tenure.