Jonathan Ramey
Maritime Captain
Key Largo,FL
Summary
Senior maritime professional with over 30 years of operational expertise as a USCG Master 500 GT for inland waters and 100 GT for near coastal waters, complemented by a distinguished tenure as a US Navy First Class Diver. Extensive command experience on commercial vessels, fireboats, and US Navy dive and special warfare vessels demonstrates a proven track record in ensuring safe vessel operations and leading teams in high-risk environments. Skilled in coordinating complex maritime missions with precision and efficiency, consistently exhibiting strong leadership and strategic acumen. Actively pursuing opportunities as a maritime captain or in marine operations in the Upper Florida Keys to leverage extensive skills and knowledge within a dynamic and challenging environment.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Deep Sea Diver/ Qualified Coxswain
U.S. Navy
- Executed complex deep-sea diving operations in high-risk and austere environments.
- Facilitated ship salvage and underwater repair operations for recovery and special missions.
- Directed team operations and maintained equipment standards to uphold safety and mission effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with Navy diving safety and operational protocols while collaborating with vessel command staff.
- Accumulated three decades of diverse professional experience.
Fireboat Operator
City of Oakland Fire Services Agency
1986 - 2010
- Executed marine firefighting and rescue missions with multiple municipal fireboats, enhancing emergency response effectiveness and port safety.
- Directed fire boat operations, leading crews through high-stress, time-critical incidents.
- Managed partnerships with U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and municipal agencies to ensure seamless operational execution.
- Facilitated vessel readiness initiatives and conducted crew training sessions to uphold safety and operational standards.
- Demonstrated a robust 25-year career marked by continuous professional development and leadership.
Commercial Ship Captain
Various Operators
1988 - Current
- Directed operations as master on multiple commercial charter vessels, including USS Potomac, 376 gross tons.
- Executed commercial assistance towing and harbor support operations with precision.
- Ensured navigation safety and regulatory compliance while operating in diverse inland and near-coastal settings.
- Implemented training programs for crew members, ensuring strict adherence to USCG regulations and company SOPs.
- Directed vessel navigation and operations to ensure safe and efficient travel in inland and near coastal environments.
Education
Qualification - Deep Sea Diving
U.S. Navy Diving School, First Class
Panama City, FLGraduate Certificate - USCG License Preparation
Crawford Nautical School
Qualification - Unlimited Radar Endorsement Training
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Leadership in Deck Ops, Seamanship, Maintenanance
US Navy Boatswains Mate Supervisor
San Diego, CASkills
- Vessel command expertise
- Commercial towing services
- US Navy dive operations support
- Fireboat operational management
- Crew leadership and training
- Marine safety compliance
- Support for scientific missions
- Special warfare riverine operator
Accomplishments
* 1989 Oakland Fire Dept. Certificate of Valor - for "Extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme danger"
* 2008 - Reserve Sailor of the Year, US Navy
Certification
- USCG Master 500 Ton Inland
- USCG Master 100 Ton Near Coastal
- USCG Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement
- U.S. Navy Deep Sea Diver
- TWIC
- First Aid / CPR / Marine Safety, current
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Deep Sea Diver/ Qualified Coxswain
U.S. Navy
Fireboat Operator
City of Oakland Fire Services Agency
1986 - 2010
Commercial Ship Captain
Various Operators
1988 - Current
Qualification - Deep Sea Diving
U.S. Navy Diving School, First Class
Graduate Certificate - USCG License Preparation
Crawford Nautical School
Qualification - Unlimited Radar Endorsement Training
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Leadership in Deck Ops, Seamanship, Maintenanance
US Navy Boatswains Mate Supervisor
Availability
- Full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contract
- Immediate availability in Key Largo, Islamorada, Ocean Reef area
Cover Letter
- Jonathan D Ramey
- Key Largo, FL
- 305-413-0409
- Captainjonathanramey@gmail.com
- 1/13/2026
- Dear Hiring Manager
- I am writing to express my interest in captain or marine operations positions in the Upper Florida Keys, including Key Largo, Islamorada, and Ocean Reef. I bring more than three decades of professional maritime experience, including 30 years as a U.S. Navy deep-sea diver, 25 years as a fireboat operator with the Oakland Fire Department, and extensive service as a licensed commercial vessel captain.
- I currently hold two active USCG Master licenses (100-Ton Near Coastal and 500-Ton Inland) with a Commercial Assistance Towing endorsement. My career has been centered on safe vessel operations, emergency response, leadership, and mission-critical maritime work. I am particularly well-suited for roles involving dive operations support, towing, safety vessels, research missions, charter operations, or relief captain duties.
- Having recently relocated to Key Largo, I am seeking opportunities to contribute my experience to local marine operations. I am reliable, safety-focused, and comfortable working full-time, part-time, seasonal, or on-call assignments. I take pride in professionalism, good judgment, and maintaining the highest standards of seamanship.
- I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background could be of value to your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- Respectfully
- Jonathan D. Ramey
Selected Vessel Experience
- USS Potomac — 376 gross ton historic US Presidential yacht; master and operator for navigation, docking, and passenger safety
- Municipal Fireboats — 350 gross ton Yard Tug Big and 74 gross ton fireboats engaged in marine firefighting and dive rescue operations
- Commercial Towing Vessels — Assistance towing, stranded, sunken and disabled-vessel response
- Charter & Mission-Specific Vessels — Passenger transport, dive support, research, and special operations platforms
- Military - LCU, 450 gross tons, 115' / LCM, 130 gross tons, 50' / LCVP - 12 gross tons, 36' / Patrol Boat River - 9.5 gross tons. 32' / Mini Armored Troop Carrier, 15 gross tons, 36'