Zach Elfstrom

Maritime deck professional with 8+ years of experience in vessel operations, towing support, cargo and barge operations, vessel maintenance, environmental response, and deck safety. Experienced aboard tugboats and other commercial vessels in demanding operating environments. Licensed as a USCG Master 100 GRT and Mate 1,600 GRT Near Coastal, with Mate of Towing Near Coastal and extensive STCW qualifications in navigation, watchstanding, emergency response, communications, and vessel security.

Deckhand at Arrow Launch Services (2020-10 – Present)

• Support daily vessel operations, including departure, arrival, docking, and undocking procedures.
• Maintain safe passenger embarkation and disembarkation operations.
• Manage deck operations during cargo handling and transfers.
• Assist with vessel and crane operations as directed.
• Perform routine vessel maintenance, including fluid checks, minor repairs, and general vessel upkeep.
• Operate VHF communications and maintain effective communication with vessel traffic and other marine personnel.
• Participate in and execute required vessel safety and emergency drills.

Deck Cadet at Sause Brothers (2023-05 – 2025-09)

• Completed required training and sea service toward a 1,600 GRT Mate, Oceans license and Mate of Towing credentials.
• Performed bridge and deck watchstanding duties under supervision.
• Assisted with vessel maintenance and deck operations.
• Performed engine-room watchstanding duties as assigned.
• Applied navigation and bridge resource management principles in commercial vessel operations.
• Trained in ARPA, celestial navigation, GMDSS, gyrocompass systems, electronic navigation, and related bridge equipment.
• Completed advanced emergency response and firefighting training.

Environmental Technician / Operator at Global Diving & Salvage (2019-07 – 2024-07)

• Performed oil-spill response and environmental cleanup operations.
• Installed and maintained oil-containment boom systems.
• Operated vessels and marine equipment during environmental response operations.
• Supported safe and efficient cleanup operations in challenging marine environments.
• Followed hazardous-material handling and environmental safety procedures.
• Maintained 40-Hour HAZWOPER training.

Deckhand at Salmon Bay Barge Line (2017-10 – 2019-06)

• Supported tugboat and barge operations throughout Puget Sound and British Columbia.
• Assisted with voyages to and from Richmond, BC.
• Performed barge operations, deck maintenance, and general vessel duties.
• Operated and maintained front-end loaders for cargo and terminal operations.
• Followed water-safety procedures and maintained safe working conditions aboard vessels.

Lube Technician at Bud Clary Hyundai (2016-02 – 2016-08)

• Performed oil changes and vehicle inspections according to manufacturer specifications.
• Assisted technicians with vehicle diagnosis and repairs.
• Maintained a clean, organized, and safe shop environment.

Sales Manager at Jiffy Lube (2013-12 – 2016-02)

• Managed daily sales performance and monitored sales statistics.
• Directed technicians and coordinated completion of customer vehicle services.
• Maintained high standards of customer service and communication.
• Managed sales goals and day-to-day shop operations.

Maritime Technology Training Program – MITAGS (2023-03 – 2025-07)

Certificate in Maritime Welding Technology – South Seattle College (2017-03 – 2017-03)

High School Diploma – Raisbeck Aviation High School (2014 – 2014)