Kevin L. Kyles

20 Years of robust experience in the field of regulatory compliance within the maritime industry, as well as in response and incident management for oil spills and hazardous substance releases within the U.S. waterways and coastal zones. Detail-oriented inspections to focus on standards required for compliance with applicable regulations. Found discrepancies and work with industry to promote safety of personnel, marine environment, and the security of the port at waterfront facilities and aboard vessels under Coast Guard jurisdiction. Experience working with other federal, state, local stakeholders to get results. Exceptional leadership, communication and time management skills.

• Responsible for Coast Guard personnel on-scene adhering to Coast Guard guidance and policies during inspections and responses in high-risk areas such as high-trafficked port terminals, and pollution incident locations using proper PPE, air monitoring, and radiation detection
• Ensured site safety plans were created and implemented by contracted response personnel to comply with OSHA requirements
• Reviewed records for training, drills and exercises, inspected safety and firefighting equipment of waterfront facilities and aboard foreign flag vessels, and commercial fishing vessels for compliance with Coast Guard requirements
• As a certified NEPA Warrant I used knowledge and expert judgment environmental reviewer to conduct dozens of reviews of federal actions proposed by the Coast Guard to guarantee compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
• Communication
• Relayed vital information to mariners regarding disruptions from dredging, hazards to navigation, and safety and security zones through information bulletins and communicated directly with key stakeholders to provide information and attain feedback of potential concerns to resolve conflicts of interest to reduce disruptions where feasible
• Communicated vital information that enabled federal, state, and local leaders to collaborate on decisions for removal of pollution threats to the public and environment as well as expedite the resumption of maritime related commerce
• Maintained flow of information from the field of situational awareness to command through timely written and verbal communication at regular intervals and when milestones were met
• Effectively trained and qualified hundreds of Coast Guard members in field and classroom settings for various assignments such as Incident Command System, pollution investigation and compliance inspections procedures and best practices, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) First Responder - Operations Level
• Problem Solving
• Used keen problem-solving skills to balance concerns for both maritime environment and commerce to achieve effective and timely environmental response and recovery operations through coordination and communication with maritime community of safety zones, diver operations, and other aspects of operations with minimal disruptions to vessel traffic
• Responded to hundreds of pollution reports to verify presence of oil or hazardous substances, investigate source and causation, and assess threat to the environment and public health,and expedite mitigation efforts
• Provided recommendations for strategy for pollution removal and risk analysis necessary for recovery efforts during post-storm surveys to evaluate prioritization of most critical areas based on hazards to environment and public health and safety and economic importance
• Achieved rapid removal of hazardous substances and coordinated removal of marine debris with state agencies and Army Corps of Engineers to maximize funding and resources available
• CORE COMPETENCIES: NEPA Warrant Level 1 | OSHA HAZWOPER Training/Instruction | Pollution Response | Waterways Management | Maritime Inspections | Pollution Investigations and Response | Incident Command System Type 3 Operations Section Chief, Marine Transportation Unit Leader, and Division Group Supervisor