Instructors

Director of Academic Affairs, (Merchant Mariner, Captain) and Senior Instructor

Graduate of Arab Academy for Science & Technology (AAST) - Maritime Transport Academy in 1997 as 2nd Mate and rose through the ranks until Captain in 2005. Has worked on numerous ships (to include General Cargo, Ro-Ro, Chemical Tankers and Container ships). Taught all ranks of Officers, Engineers, and Captains since 2008. Approved Instructor from offshore petroleum industry training organization (OPITO) UK. Obtained a Bachelor's degree in Maritime Transport and Technology in 2008, obtained Master's of Science in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection in 2013, and I am currently preparing to obtain a doctorate in Maritime Transport and Technology. Participated in many international conferences affiliated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Published many research papers in Scientific journals in the field of maritime safety and security. Joined the Bluewater Maritime School crew in 2023 to provide distinguished educational service for those who wish to join the merchant maritime fleet.

(USN, Retired - Quartermaster)

A native to Miami Florida and has lived the last 23 years in Jacksonville FL. He is a retired Chief Quarter Master after 22 years of service and navigating ships and Standing Officer of The Deck all over the worlds oceans. He arrived to Blue Water Maritime in Feb 2021 and is an extremely pationate maritime instructor. He specializes in Navigation, Able Seamen, and our OUPV Captain’s license course. His experience in Bridge Resource Management and Navigation makes him a strong and knowledgeable instructor. Daniel has Sailed in the following areas: Great Lakes, Puget Sound, St. Johns river, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Baltic Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Suez Canal and Panama Canal.

(Merchant Mariner, USN Veteran, USCG Veteran)

Dominic Hix was born in Beaufort, SC. He spent just under 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a Quartermaster serving on an aircraft carrier, frigate, cruiser & 2 destroyers out of various east coast ports. He also did 4 years as a Quartermaster aboard a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter out of Alameda, CA. He has served as a Merchant Mariner just over 11 years in various capacities including AB & Tankerman PIC-Barge. Dominic also served 6 dedicated years as a maritime instructor for numerous courses at Piney Point.

Director of Operations (USN, Ret), Senior Instructor

Accomplished bilingual (English and Spanish) maritime professional, and U.S. Navy veteran with over 40 years of expertise in teaching, developing, and implementing comprehensive maritime curriculums, and Environmental Health, and Safety (EHS) programs. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and rise through the ranks as a Senior Enlisted and was later commissioned as a Naval Officer in Surface Warfare and Special Warfare Operations (SWCC). He culminated his highly decorated career with the U.S. Navy after 25 years of service to our nation. He possesses exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem- solving skills along with a strong knowledge of best practices and standards in higher education. He is committed to providing his students a stimulating and engaging learning environment as well as fostering an atmosphere of integrity, respect, and fairness. He has served in the capability as Officer in Charge, Ship’s Bos’n, Training Officer, Anti-Terrorist Officer, Patrol Officer, Boat Captain, Conning Officer, and Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Accomplishments also include a Masters Degree in Administration (3.97 GPA) from Barry University; Bachelor of Science in Business Management (3.80 GPA), Academic Honor Society Member; Environmental Health and Safety (Manager and Train the Trainer); Shipboard Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection Officer; Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Instructor; U.S. Navy Special Warfare (SWCC) Operator and Surface Warfare Officer.

(USN, Retired - Operations Specialist)

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, LaBoris (Bo) Taylor is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Navy in February 2001 as an Operation Specialist and has since earned an AS Degree Oceanography. Upon completion of Recruit Training he attend "A" school in Damneck, VA. He served on the USS THOMAS S GATES, where he part two deployments in support of Global War on Terror. His last tour of duty was served at Surface Combat Systems Training Command where he obtained Master Training Specialist qualification.

(USN, Retired - Damage Controlman)

A native of Charleson, SC. Arrived to Bluewater Maritime several years ago and specializes in teaching Basic Training and Ordinary Seaman fundamentals. Served 20 years in the US Navy as a Damage Controlman, Naval Science Instructor and Master Training Specialist. His strong instructor background in the USN inspired him to continue training in civilian maritime community while simultaneously stressing the importance of shipboard safety and survivability.

Deputy Director (USCG, Retired / Merchant Mariner, Captain)

Native of Southern Illinois, but recently moved to Florida to work at Bluewater Maritime in January 2024. 1996 Graduate of US Coast Guard Academy. 20+ years of USCG Service as a Cutterman, Law Enforcement Boarding Officer, Search and Rescue Coordination - afloat and ashore, international relations, and maritime security/defense specialist. 200 Ton Master License (Near Coastal). 2016-2017 Armed maritime security officer for Tier 1 U.S. maritime infrastructure. 2017-2018 Maritime Security/Defense Consultant to UAE Coast Guard and Border Patrol. 2018-2023 General Manager of Ship Chandler and Captain of the supply vessel OJIBWAY in the northern U.S. Great Lakes Region. Overall 30+ years of professional domestic and international maritime experience. Marc is excited to be part of the crew here at Bluewater Maritime and to apply his experience and knowledge to all future classes.

(USN - Quartermaster)

A native of the small town of Cordele, Ga. Recently arrived to Bluewater Maritime School this year and specializes in seamanship and bridge navigation. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2010 as a Quartermaster (Navigation). He served on six different naval platforms qualifying in navigation watch, damage control, and safety of life at sea. In 2019, he received his full instructor certification. He thoroughly enjoys the sea and has a passion for instructing navigation seamanship. We are excited to have him aboard at Bluewater Maritime School.

Chief Quartermaster, USN, (Ret)

Troy L. Williams Jr. has had a distinguished career in the United States Navy, beginning with his enlistment after graduating from Aliceville High School in 2001. Throughout his service, he completed various specialized trainings, starting with Recruit Training Command in Illinois and then Fireman ATD school, followed by Operation Specialist school and Quartermaster A school. He served on multiple sea duties, including USS Mitscher, USS Austin, USS Hawes, USS Bataan, USS Mahan, and USS Devastator, rising through the ranks to eventually become a Chief Petty Officer.

In addition to his sea duties, he also served as a Navy Recruiter, where he significantly contributed by enlisting many new recruits and earned accolades such as Sailor of the Year 2017 for NRD Atlanta. His final tour was at Naval Station Mayport, where he served until his retirement in 2023.

Mr. Williams has received several awards for his service, including a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Throughout his career, his dedication is evident through his achievements and the pride he holds in his family, particularly his daughter Alexcia and his son Darius.