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My name is Captain Jim Albert, a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer:

I currently hold a 100-ton USCG Master Captain's license and carry $1 million of marine liability insurance.  I moved to Naples in 2005 to begin my quest to become a "for-hire" boat captain serving private and commercial boat owners, renters, dealers and marinas in Southwest Florida.  After two years of preparation while working as 1st Officer & Captain on the water and in the classroom, I am ready to serve your needs!

U.S. Navy Veteran: During the mid-1970's, I piloted the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, U.S.S. Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640) and, in 1979, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree.  During the 1970's & 1980's, I also trained high school-aged students (U.S. Naval Sea Cadets) in basic seamanship and recruited Naval Sea Cadets into the Navy; becoming the 4th commanding officer of the U.S.S. Albany Division in Albany, NY.

Maritime Credentials: While working to obtain my U.S.C.G. master's license, a background check was completed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/TSA.  In 2008, I was issued the required TWIC credential.  I've been enrolled in the Maritime Drug Testing Consortium since 2007 where I am selected for drug & alcohol screening on a random basis.  I am also First Aid & CPR certified, a PADI certified diver and possess a current Passport.  STCW 95 certified in January 2011.

Safe Boating Instructor:  I teach a 6-hour Florida BoatSafe Course that is now required by the Florida Wildlife & Conservation Commission (FWCC) if you, a family member or friend were born after January 1, 1988 and would like to operate a power vessel 10 HP or more.  I usually teach this course at the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club.  I've taught dozens of kids and new boaters to the Naples area who were unfamiliar with the waters in Southwest Florida in both the classroom environment and on the water.

Experience:  I've driven a 96' & 105' Skipperliner (with thrusters) for over two years, a 75' Viking (with thrusters), a 53' Carver, a 36' Hinckley Picnic Boat and numerous Sea Rays, Four Winns and center console vessels from 20' to 50' in length during the past 30 years.  And a note to Hinckley owners, I used to captain for Barton & Gray Mariner's Club and am trained in the operation of the Hinckley jetstick!  I own the motor vessel Maritime Lady (www.naplesboatcharters.net) which is a 33' Sea Ray Sundancer available for private charters up to six people.

Weddings (Civil or Religious):  As an Ordained Minister, a Florida Notary Public and a licensed Captain, I've performed dozens of weddings on land and at sea.  Just obtain your Florida marriage license and give me a call.

Scattering of Ashes at Sea!  For those of you who are planning the cremation of a loved one and would like a scattering of ashes at sea, please contact your local funeral director and tell them you would like Captain Jim to perform the ceremony on the Gulf of Mexico.

We are an active member of the Marine Industry Association of Collier County (MIACC), the National Association of Wedding Professionals and an independent contract Captain for Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club.

NOTE:  From 1984 to 2009, I was a 25-year professional member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.  During my safety & health engineering career, safety always came first.  That will never change!

                                                (References are available upon request)