Charles McDonald
Licensed Mariner
Stockton,CA
Summary
Dedicated marine professional with expertise in vessel operation, navigation, and maintenance. Proven ability to support research initiatives through effective collaboration and accurate documentation.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Mate, Fish and Game Vessel
California Department Of Fish And Wildlife
10.2025 - Current
- Operate research vessels and skiffs between 25 and 42 feet to support biological research in the San Francisco Bay and San Joaquin Delta; navigate, steer, operate survey equipment, and direct safe deck activities
- Loaded, launched, and mobilized vessels for field operations; maintained vessel trailers and conducted inspections to ensure seaworthiness and suitability for research activities.
- Collaborated with scientific staff to collect field data through written and digital methods; completed vessel logs, reports, and equipment records to support research objectives.
- Traveled regularly for fieldwork to fulfill operational duties and support ongoing biological research initiatives.
Third Officer
Military Sealift Command
06.2021 - 08.2025
- Served as the deck watch officer for a ship underway at sea, maintaining safe navigation and accurate ship position during formation steaming, flight operations, restricted visibility, and heavy vessel traffic
- Led the bridge watch team and responded to steering casualties, man-overboard events, emergency maneuvering, and security incidents while abiding by the Captain's standing orders and international regulations
- Utilized Microsoft 365, electronic ship logs, and Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management (SAMM) preventive-maintenance software to document operations, inspections, and recurring maintenance requirements
Able Bodied Seaman
Columbia University
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Supported marine geophysical research by maintaining, deploying, recovering, and stowing seismic air guns in a pneumatic source array towed behind the vessel
- Managed helm duties while standing navigational watches in restricted waterways; secured scientific equipment and stores and completed hands-on vessel maintenance
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of deck areas for operational efficiency
Education
Master of Science - Emergency Management
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05.2027
Bachelor of Science - Marine Transportation
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA05.2020
Certification
Master (Captain) of Vessels Less Than 100 Tons
Timeline
Mate, Fish and Game Vessel
California Department Of Fish And Wildlife
10.2025 - Current
Able Bodied Seaman
Columbia University
01.2023 - 03.2023
Third Officer
Military Sealift Command
06.2021 - 08.2025
Master of Science - Emergency Management
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Marine Transportation
Cal Poly Maritime Academy