Michael Springer

Experienced maritime professional and vessel captain with more than 20 years of commercial marine and transportation experience, including passenger vessels, towing operations, offshore tug-and-barge operations, cargo transportation, vessel safety, crew management, and marine operations. Extensive experience operating and managing commercial vessels with responsibility for navigation, crew supervision, vessel readiness, safety, regulatory compliance, emergency response, customer service, maintenance coordination, and daily operational decision-making. Former U.S.

Marine Corps Reconnaissance

Sergeant with extensive leadership, training, operational planning, personnel management, and high-pressure decision-making experience.

Captain / Marine Operations Manager - SEA ROCKET WATERSPORTS - Fort Lauderdale, FL

(2021 - 2026)

• Managed daily passenger transportation and marine operations in a high-volume commercial environment.
• Operated and managed multiple commercial vessels, including a 70-foot passenger vessel capable of carrying approximately 130 passengers.
• Supervised, trained, and evaluated marine personnel while maintaining standards for safety, professionalism, customer service, and operational performance.
• Determined daily staffing and equipment requirements based on passenger demand, weather, vessel availability, and operating conditions.
• Maintained operational readiness of vessels, safety equipment, facilities, and supporting equipment.
• Conducted vessel and equipment inspections and coordinated corrective action when deficiencies were identified.
• Responded to accidents, emergencies, equipment failures, and changing operating conditions.
• Coordinated maintenance, vendors, personnel, and equipment to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Ensured compliance with company procedures, safety requirements, and applicable maritime regulations.

First Mate, M/V Becker - TOWBOATUS FORT LAUDERDALE - Fort Lauderdale, FL

(2019 - 2020)

• Served aboard a 96-foot commercial towing vessel.
• Coordinated crew activities, equipment, safety procedures, vessel readiness, and transportation assignments.
• Assisted with vessel inspections, maintenance coordination, troubleshooting, and crew training.
• Maintained compliance with Coast Guard regulations, company procedures, and safety requirements.
• Responded to changing operational conditions and emergency situations requiring immediate communication and coordinated action.

Deckhand / Tankerman - KIRBY OFFSHORE MARINE

(2015 - 2018)

• Progressed through positions of increasing responsibility aboard commercial tug-and-barge operations.
• Worked aboard approximately 800-foot tug/barge units transporting petroleum products throughout U.S. and Canadian waterways.
• Performed safety-critical cargo, deck, navigation, and operational responsibilities.
• Handled navigation, crew coordination, safety, and operational oversight.
• Maintained compliance with Coast Guard regulations, cargo procedures, company policies, and safety standards.

Captain - FORT LAUDERDALE WATER TAXI - Fort Lauderdale, FL

(2014 - 2015)

• Operated 40–70-foot commercial passenger vessels carrying approximately 20–200 passengers.
• Maintained direct responsibility for vessel safety, passenger transportation, crew coordination, schedule coordination, and vessel readiness.
• Conducted pre-operation inspections and ensured required equipment was operational.
• Adapted vessel operations to changing weather, traffic, passenger volume, and other operating conditions.

Captain / Operations Manager - DENNIS PARASAIL / HAMPTON BEACH PARASAIL

(2006 - 2014)

• Managed daily commercial passenger marine operations in a high-volume seasonal environment.
• Supervised crews of up to 30 employees.
• Managed vessel operations, staffing, scheduling, employee training, equipment, safety, and customer service.
• Trained employees in operating procedures, equipment use, safety requirements, customer interaction, and emergency procedures.
• Maintained responsibility for multiple employees, vessels, activities, equipment, and customer-facing operations.

Reconnaissance Marine / Sergeant - UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

(1996 - 2005)

• Served as a U.S. Marine Corps Reconnaissance Marine and Sergeant with significant responsibility for personnel leadership, training, readiness, and operational execution.
• Led, trained, supervised, and mentored Marines in demanding operational environments.
• Planned and executed complex operations requiring detailed preparation, personnel coordination, equipment management, communications, and rapid decision-making.
• Maintained personnel and equipment readiness under demanding conditions.
• Developed extensive experience managing stressful situations, resolving problems, and making decisions under pressure.

B.S. - Exercise Science - Bridgewater State University (2013)

A.A. - Health Science - Cape Cod Community College (2011)

High School Diploma - Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School (1996)