Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Cole Harper

Summary

Dynamic and self-motivated Boatswain's Mate Second Class in the United States Coast Guard, excelling in small boat operations and leadership. Proven track record in maritime safety and security, adept at risk management and quick problem-solving. Flexible and responsive to shifting priorities and challenges. Successfully managed personnel in high-stress environments, ensuring mission success and operational excellence.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Boatswain's Mate Second Class

United States Coast Guard Station Belle Isle
05.2021 - 01.2026

Specialized in small boat operations, general seamanship, maritime safety and security. Performed a variety of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and asset protection. Skilled in navigation, boat handling, and supervising personnel in high-stress environments.

  • Managed and supervised 20 out of 30 personnel as the station's First Lieutenant and Head of Deck Department.
  • Certified as a Peace Officer in Canada and worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as part of the Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Program (ICMLEO).
  • Qualified as a United States Coast Guard 45 RBM, 29 RBS II, and 27 SPC-SWC Coxswain (boat driver).
  • Attended Boatswain's Mate "A" School where I learned Leadership, Navigational, Risk Management, and Boat handling skills.
  • Certified as a United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Boarding Team Member.
  • Certified as a United States Coast Guard Ice Rescuer
  • Assumed leadership duties in the absence of the Officer in Charge as the Station's Officer of the Day, managing station operations, supervising personnel, ensuring continuity of mission execution, and coordinating and executing search and rescue missions.
  • Selected as Sailor of the Quarter by peers and leadership for exceptional performance and leadership—recognized as a role model who led by example for others to follow.

Seaman

United States Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill
02.2020 - 01.2021

Experience in large vessel navigation, as well as maintenance and repair of ship systems and equipment. Skilled in maritime safety procedures and emergency response aboard the ship. Participated in missions such as search and rescue, marine biology rescue, marine protection, and enforcement of laws in relation to marine biology.

  • Frequently sanded and painted the cutter to avoid rust and deterioration
  • Oversaw the complete overhaul of the ship’s damage control locker, improving efficiency, inventory management, and mission preparedness.
  • Assisted in the rescue and release of marine wildlife, including sea turtles, ensuring safe return to the ocean.
  • Conducted marine fisheries boardings as a boarding team member on fishing vessels.
  • Acted as the helmsman, engineer of the watch, and lookout for the ship.
  • Selected to stand OOD (Officer of the Day) duty early in career, managing critical responsibilities normally assigned to senior personnel.

Retail Sales Associate

Jersey Devil Surf
09.2017 - 12.2020
  • Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
  • Helped customers complete purchases and locate items.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Operated Point of Sales System.
  • Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
  • Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
  • Took on a collateral job as a surf instructor and taught surf school classes.

Education

45' Response Boat-Medium Operator School
Yorktown, VA
02-2023

Search Coordination And Execution School
Mount Clemens, MI
12-2022

ICMLEO (Canadian Shiprider) School
Charleston, SC
05-2022

Boatswain's Mate "A" School
Yorktown, VA
05-2021

Coast Guard Recruit Training
Cape May, NJ
02-2020

High School Diploma -

Egg Harbor Township Highschool
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
06-2019

Skills

  • Leadership Skills

  • Small boat operator

  • Vessel security and maintenance

  • Teamwork

  • Risk Management

  • Adaptability and Flexibility

  • Quick problem-solving abilities and decision making

  • Attention to detail

  • Professional attitude

  • Self motivated

Certification

  • Rifle Qualification
  • Pistol Qualification
  • 87' WPB Engineer of Watch
  • Boarding Team Member
  • Boat Trailering Operator
  • Basic Damage Control
  • Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Officer (ICMLEO)
  • Ice Rescuer
  • RB-M Boat Crew Member & Coxswain
  • RBS II Boat Crew Member & Coxswain
  • SPC-SW Boat Crew Member & Coxswain
  • Station Communications Watch Stander
  • Station Officer of the Day
  • Underwater Boat Egress



Awards

  • Armed Forces Service Medal
  • Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal
  • Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device
  • Coast Guard Pistol Expert
  • Coast Guard Rifle Sharpshooter
  • Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit Award
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Coast Guard Station Belle Isle "Sailor of the Quarter" Award

Timeline

Boatswain's Mate Second Class

United States Coast Guard Station Belle Isle
05.2021 - 01.2026

Seaman

United States Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill
02.2020 - 01.2021

Retail Sales Associate

Jersey Devil Surf
09.2017 - 12.2020

45' Response Boat-Medium Operator School

Search Coordination And Execution School

ICMLEO (Canadian Shiprider) School

Boatswain's Mate "A" School

Coast Guard Recruit Training

High School Diploma -

Egg Harbor Township Highschool
Cole Harper