Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Joshua Ferrari

Auburn

Summary

Professional Summary:
With over 20 years of dedicated service in the United States Coast Guard, I bring extensive expertise in crisis management, situational awareness, and maritime operations. My diverse experience across various roles adds significant value, enabling me to adapt to dynamic challenges and deliver results. As a seasoned leader in supervising Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations and managing critical communications, I have consistently enhanced safety and operational efficiency. Renowned for my critical thinking, effective personnel management, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, I have made substantial contributions to achieving organizational excellence.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

VTS Watch Supervisor

United States Coast Guard
05.2019 - Current

Job Description: VTS Puget Sound Watch Supervisor

Key Responsibilities:

  • Supervise and oversee Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations in the Puget Sound area.
  • Work closely with both foreign and domestic partners to ensure safe and efficient maritime traffic management.
  • Maintain and update the anchorage log to track vessel activities and assignments.
  • Conduct subordinate evaluations to support professional development and performance management.
  • Deconflict Advanced Notice of Arrival (ANOA) submissions to ensure compliance and smooth coordination.
  • Provide real-time guidance and decision-making support to the watch team during operations.
  • Monitor and respond to maritime incidents, emergencies, and communications.
  • Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, policies, and safety standards.

Qualifications:

  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in maritime operations, traffic management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.


EKMS Manager and Operations Specialist Afloat

United State Coast Guard
04.2018 - 05.2019

Job Description: Operations Specialist Afloat (CGC Wrangell, Manama, Bahrain)
Operations Specialist Duties:
Serve as the EKMS (Electronic Key Management System) Manager, ensuring the proper handling and accountability of classified materials
Perform duties as the Command Security Officer, overseeing the security protocols and ensuring the protection of classified information and assets
Manage the control and accountability of classified materials as the Classified Materials Control Officer
Conduct Visual Intelligence Information Collection and Management, supporting situational awareness and operational intelligence

Leadership & Watch Standing:Serve as In-Port Officer of the Deck (OOD), ensuring the safe and efficient operations of the vessel while in port
Act as Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Watchstander, ensuring vessel security against potential threats
Serve as Quartermaster of the Watch (QMOW), overseeing navigation, course, and safety during underway operations
Perform lookout duties to monitor the surroundings and detect potential hazards during operations

Liaison & Coordination:Act as the NATO Cross-Platform Liaison, facilitating communication and coordination between NATO forces and CGC Wrangell during joint operations
Assist in the execution of public affairs duties, engaging with media, preparing information materials, and supporting the ship's public relations efforts

Qualifications & Skills:Expertise in classified material management, security operations, and intelligence collection
Proven leadership in managing personnel and maintaining operational readiness
Strong communication skills, both in coordination with internal teams and external agencies
Ability to perform under pressure in a dynamic operational environment

VTS Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2014 - 04.2019

Job Description: VTS Watch Stander (Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Center)

  • Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operations:Monitor vessel traffic and provide timely information to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels in Puget Sound
    Maintain communication with vessel operators, port authorities, and maritime agencies to support navigation safety and emergency response
    Track vessel movements, report on shipping traffic, and provide operational updates to stakeholders
    Operate radar, communication systems, and other VTS equipment to support daily operations
  • Leadership & Management:Serve as the Lead Petty Officer for assigned sections, overseeing personnel, scheduling, and watch operations
    Manage watch schedules to ensure proper coverage and shift rotations
    Handle frontline watch issues, resolving operational challenges and ensuring the smooth running of VTS operations
    Approve and manage leave requests for watch standers to maintain adequate staffing levels
    Conduct evaluations for personnel in the section, providing feedback and supporting professional development
  • Operational Responsibilities:Ensure all VTS systems are fully operational, troubleshooting issues as needed to maintain continuous service
    Support the coordination of vessel traffic during periods of increased activity, including adverse weather or emergencies
    Maintain logs of all communications and vessel movements, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols
    Assist with training and mentoring junior personnel in VTS operations and procedures
  • Qualifications:Strong leadership skills with experience in managing personnel, watch schedules, and daily operations
    Ability to handle high-pressure situations and resolve watch-related issues effectively
    Experience with VTS systems, radar, and communication equipment

Lead Petty Officer for CIC on the CGC Mellon

United States Coast Guard
07.2011 - 07.2014

Job Description: Lead Petty Officer for CIC (CGC Mellon)

  • CIC Leadership:Supervise and lead the Combat Information Center (CIC) team, ensuring efficient operation and real-time situational awareness
    Maintain and oversee the CIC watch stander, radio watch stander, CIC watch stander, and watch supervisor afloat qualifications
    Ensure all personnel are trained and qualified in CIC operations and watch standing duties
    Manage and prioritize CIC operational requirements, ensuring the timely execution of assigned missions and tasks
  • Collateral Duties:Serve as Victim Advocate, providing support to individuals and ensuring proper handling of sensitive situations
    Act as Command Drug and Alcohol Representative, promoting awareness, education, and compliance with substance use policies
    Lead and participate in the Combat Systems Training Team (CSTT), ensuring readiness and effective training for combat systems operations
    Contribute to the Navigation Training Team (NTT) and Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) for operational and damage control drills and exercises
    Oversee Electronic Warfare (EW) operations and management, ensuring the system's effectiveness in countering threats and supporting mission success
  • Operational Responsibilities:Maintain a high level of operational readiness for all CIC systems and personnel
    Ensure all communication and sensor systems are fully operational during underway periods and exercises
    Conduct performance evaluations for team members and provide mentorship and leadership to enhance individual and team capabilities
    Support the development and execution of combat, navigation, and mission-specific training
  • Qualifications:
  • CIC watch stander, radio watch stander, GPOW, Locker Leader, JOOD, and watch supervisor afloat qualifications
    Ability to lead and train a diverse team while maintaining operational excellence in all assigned duties.

Situation Unit Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2008 - 07.2011

Job Description: Situation Unit Watch Stander (Sector Guam)

  • Monitor and assess ongoing operational situations, providing real-time updates to leadership
  • Track and document incidents, operations, and activities to ensure situational awareness
  • Coordinate with response teams, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and other agencies
  • Provide situational briefings and ensure accurate reporting of critical events
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of operational areas, risks, and resources
  • Support the coordination of resources and personnel for ongoing operations
  • Assist in managing emergency response efforts and contribute to decision-making during critical events
  • Work rotating shifts and adapt to dynamic operational environments

Job Description: Communications Watch Stander (Sector Guam)

  • Operate and maintain communication systems for Sector Guam, ensuring reliable and secure communication channels
  • Monitor radio transmissions and emergency communication systems, including mobile comms units
  • Log and document all communications and relay critical information to relevant personnel and agencies
  • Coordinate with search and rescue teams, law enforcement, and other agencies during emergencies
  • Ensure mobile communications units are fully operational and ready for deployment as needed
  • Respond promptly to urgent communication requests and troubleshoot communication system issues
  • Support the coordination of resources and personnel during operational events
  • Work rotating shifts, with the possibility of irregular hours, to support 24/7 operations

Communications Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2005 - 07.2008

Job Description: Communications Watch Stander (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

  • Monitor, operate, and maintain communication systems during assigned shifts
  • Ensure all communication channels are active, secure, and functioning properly
  • Manage radio transmissions and monitor emergency communication systems
  • Log and document all communications accurately and promptly
  • Coordinate with search and rescue teams and law enforcement agencies during emergencies
  • Relay critical information to appropriate personnel, operations, and external contacts
  • Ensure compliance with communication protocols and respond to urgent situations
  • Work effectively under pressure and in high-stress environments
  • Adapt to rotating shifts and irregular working hours as required

Education

High School Diploma -

Morro Bay High School
Morro Bay, CA
06-2003

Skills

  • Workplace safety
  • Situational awareness
  • Incident reporting
  • Task delegation
  • Security protocols
  • Policy enforcement
  • Crisis management
  • Customer service
  • Active listening
  • Personnel management
  • 10 years fulltime VTS Watch Stander Experience
  • 6 years fulltime Watch Supervisor Experience
  • 20 years training experience 10 at VTS Puget Sound
  • Critical thinking
  • Data entry

Certification

  • VTS Watch Stander
  • VTS Watch Supervisor
  • QMOW
  • Look Out
  • Locker Leader
  • Advanced DCPQS
  • In-Port OOD
  • ATFP Watch Stander
  • Watch Supervisor Afloat
  • Situation Unit Watch Stander
  • Communications Watch Stander


Timeline

VTS Watch Supervisor

United States Coast Guard
05.2019 - Current

EKMS Manager and Operations Specialist Afloat

United State Coast Guard
04.2018 - 05.2019

VTS Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2014 - 04.2019

Lead Petty Officer for CIC on the CGC Mellon

United States Coast Guard
07.2011 - 07.2014

Situation Unit Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2008 - 07.2011

Communications Watch Stander

United States Coast Guard
07.2005 - 07.2008

High School Diploma -

Morro Bay High School
Joshua Ferrari