Michael Kiernan
Green Cove Springs,USA
Summary
Experienced Master of Cruise Ships, Yachts, Excursion Vessels and Workboats. Deliver results for owners by providing outstanding passenger experiences. Effective leader of crew, marine and service staff. Superior Project Manager with track record of successfully managing multi-million dollar projects.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Captain, Yacht Manager, Project Manager
Burger Sovereign, LLC
06.2025 - Current
- M/Y Sovereign, present custodian of this Classic 1966 Burger Motor Yacht. 100' (30meter). Maintain yacht in operational status to museum quality standards.
- Reorganized vessel operations after winter shipyard period. Identified environmental issues and vessel systems issues needing remediation. Developed a plan for vessel modifications, negotiated shipyard contract for services in the USA and Dominican Republic saving the owner of $250,000 in costs.
- Set up the vessel to operate in charter service.
- Recruited and trained qualified crew.
- Operated vessel for owner use in 2025 and set up 2026 Shipyard period.
Managing Captain of Private Yacht
M/Y Alchemist
07.2020 - Current
- 100' (30 meter) Express Motor Yacht, Mangusta.
- Managed over $2,500,000 in yacht improvements from 2020 to 2025. Several shipyard periods with major maintenance.
- Rebuild of 2,000hp MTU 16 cylinder high performance diesel engine.
- Replacement of complete AC Systems, 3 chillers and 14 blower units.
- Installed "Glass Bridge" navigation systems and touch screen controls of vessel systems.
- Replaced all running gear, shafts, seals, bearings, props.
- Replaced pumps, toilet systems, decking - teak and interior, electrical systems, batteries and numerous other mechanical, interior and exterior improvements.
- Changed Flag from USA to Jamaica to open crew labor pool. Recruited, hired, trained and managed international crew.
- Prepare yacht for sale and assist owner with sales process.
Yacht & Project Management, Relief & Delivery Capt
Self
01.2019 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Full budget and financial responsibilities of yacht projects, refits etc.
- Acted as pilot advisor and delivery Captain of several Motor Yachts navigating USA East Coast, Caribbean, Great Lakes waters, Erie Canal and Great Rivers.
Captain of Private Yacht
M/Y Banyan
11.2019 - 08.2020
- 102' (32 meter) Private Luxury Motor Yacht (Palmer Johnson).
- Received the yacht at completion of shipyard refit period in Honduras, S.A. Sea Trailed yacht and assumed responsibility for the yacht in 2019.
- Recruited, hired and trained international crew to operate and maintain the yacht.
- Maintained the Yacht in the Caribbean during COVID. Dealt with crew management and changes during this difficult period.
- Returned the yacht to the USA to comply with owner's needs and assisted with preparing the yacht for sale.
Master
Blount Small Ship Adventures
07.2007 - 01.2015
- Captain of M/V's Grande Mariner, Grande Caribe, Niagara Prince. 185' (56 meter) SOLAS Certified 100 passenger Coastal Cruise Ships with up to 25 crew.
- Navigated waterways from Panama, Caribbean, U.S. East Coast, Canada East Coast and St. Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, USA Inland Rivers including Mississippi,
- Formerly: American Canadian Caribbean Lines.
- Responsible for all operations, safe navigation, crew management, guest services, food service and hygiene, Government regulation compliance in all operational areas.
- Received vessels after refit and participated in re-commissioning and USCG certifications.
Founder, President, Fleet Captain & Gen Manager
Long Reach Cruises
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Founded an excursion vessel service operating from Historic Bath, Maine.
- Purchased, refit, USCG certified and commissioned 3, passenger vessels for use as tour boats. Conventional and Jet Drive.
- Designed and built one vessel for use as a "Pirate Themed" passenger boat.
- Became the exclusive provider of boat tours for the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine.
- Recruited hired and trained all boat crew, Captain's, reservation, food service and office staff.
- Contracted, managed and negotiated with service providers, maintenance services, naval architect and boat yards for construction and refits.
- Responsible for all marketing and sales in a competitive tourism marketplace.
Licensed Mate and Captain
Bordelon Marine, Inc.
01.2006 - 06.2006
- Operated 165' (51 meter) oil support vessel(s) (OSV).
- Gulf of Mexico out to 200 miles. Coastal Waters of Louisiana, Florida, Texas and Alabama.
- Responsible for safe navigation of vessel, crew management, logistics, loading and discharging of cargo including liquids.
Founder and President
Kennebec Financial Group
01.1985 - 01.2000
- Founded a Financial Services firm engaged in Financial and Tax Planning and Preparation, Mortgage Brokerage, Multi-Line Insurance Agency.
- Employed up to 12 people including CPA's, Finance Specialists and support staff.
- Licensed in all lines of insurance sales, mortgage brokerage.
- Notary Public.
Education
Maritime Officer Qualifications - Deck Officer Qualifications
Northeast Maritime Institute & Maritime Professional Training
Fairhaven, MA & Fort Lauderdale, FLContinuing Education
Southern New Hampshire University
BrunswickAssociate of Science - Business Administration & Marketing
Middlesex Community College
Bedford, MA01.1979
Spanish as a Second Language
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Medellin, Colombia10-2012
Skills
- Provide exceptional customer experiences
- Team leadership
- Project management, taking projects from inception to completion successfully
- Decision-making
- Navigating complex regulatory and compliance systems successfully
- Successful Marketing and Sales Executive
Waterways Navigated
- 2012, Completed circumnavigation of the 'Great Loop' of North America.
- Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico & Near Coastal (out to 200 miles) Waters from Quebec Canada to Key West, Florida.
- Rivers: Mississippi River and its tributaries from Chicago to New Orleans, Hudson, Kennebec, Penobscot, St. Lawrence Seaway, Erie Canal & the St. Lawrence River.
- All of the Great Lakes.
- Extensive transits of locks & canals - Erie, Welland, USA Inland Rivers.
- Caribbean Sea & Gulf of Mexico out to 180 miles. Gulf of Honduras.
- Florida (all coasts).
- Rhine River from Switzerland to Amsterdam.
Vessel Experience
- M/Y Sovereign 100' (30m) Burger, 150 Ton. Private Motor Yacht. Managing Captain.
- M/Y Alchemist, 100' (30m) Mangusta, 147 Ton. Express Motor Yacht. Managing Captain.
- M/Y Banyan, Master/Captain, 102’ (32 meter) Palmer-Johnson Motor Yacht, 144 Ton. Private .
- M/V Grande Caribe, M/V Grande Mariner and M/V Niagara Prince, Master/Captain, 185’ (829 Ton) small cruise ship(s) carrying 100 passengers and up to 26 crew. Responsible for all aspects of ships operations.
- M/V Bunny Bordelon & M/V Terry Bordelon, Captain/Mate, 145’ Class OSV. (435ton ITC) 1,800hp.
- M/V Sagadahoc, Master, 50’ passenger vessel. 64 passengers. Based at Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine.
- M/V Black Prince, Master, 48’ excursion vessel carrying 49 passengers. Pirate Theme cruises, full bar service.
- M/V Culebra, Master, 36’ high performance twin turbo diesel jet boat certified for 49 passengers.
- S/V Catalyst, Master, 32’ Pilothouse Sloop engaged in day & term charters in New England waters.
Executive Management
Successfully managed and led in a variety of environments from large corporations & government agencies to small entrepreneurial firms. Work and relate well with a variety of employees & supervisors from the executive office to part-time student seasonal employees. I bring an understanding of the owner’s perspective to daily business operations while providing quality customer experiences.
Other
- U.S. Citizen Passport #488631477
- Accident & Violation Free.
- Experienced world-wide traveler.
- Executive and management background (additional c.v. available for review).
- Responsible & Safety Conscious.
- Successful project manager.
- Able to operate cranes & heavy equipment.
- Familiar with shop & mechanical operations.
- Familiar with & can maintain mechanical, propulsion, electrical & electronic systems aboard a variety of vessels.
Certification
- Florida Boat Operator License #2025910246
- 3000 Ton Master (STCW - II/2) - Dominica (2015)
- 150 Ton Master (USCG) Near Coastal. (2015)
- Assistance Towing & Sail Endorsements.
- Unlimited Radar Observer Endorsement. ARPA.
STCW Training Completed:
crisis management; crowd management; basic & advanced firefighting; personal survival, personal safety & social responsibility; substance abuse & alcohol supervisor training; Bridge Resource Management; Life Boatman; Able Seaman; Apprentice Mate Steersman (Towing Vessels); Ship & Company Security Officer; Medical First Aid Provider; CPR & First Aid; FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
Links
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y468S19M1582dZpf1, https://www.blountsmallshipadventures.com/about-blount/our-ships/the-ship-grande-mariner/, https://www.blountsmallshipadventures.com/about-blount/our-ships/the-ship-grande-mariner/
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Managing Captain, Yacht Manager, Project Manager
Burger Sovereign, LLC
06.2025 - Current
Managing Captain of Private Yacht
M/Y Alchemist
07.2020 - Current
Captain of Private Yacht
M/Y Banyan
11.2019 - 08.2020
Yacht & Project Management, Relief & Delivery Capt
Self
01.2019 - Current
Master
Blount Small Ship Adventures
07.2007 - 01.2015
Licensed Mate and Captain
Bordelon Marine, Inc.
01.2006 - 06.2006
Founder, President, Fleet Captain & Gen Manager
Long Reach Cruises
01.2000 - 01.2011
Founder and President
Kennebec Financial Group
01.1985 - 01.2000
Maritime Officer Qualifications - Deck Officer Qualifications
Northeast Maritime Institute & Maritime Professional Training
Continuing Education
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science - Business Administration & Marketing
Middlesex Community College
Spanish as a Second Language
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana