Nicholas Braches
Galveston,TX
Summary
USCG-licensed deck officer with progressive maritime experience aboard tankers, ATBs, and towing vessels on ocean routes. Holds licenses including 2nd Mate Unlimited Oceans, 1600 Ton Master, and Master of Towing Oceans. Experienced in petroleum cargo handling, bridge watchkeeping, and deck operations involving ULSD, crude oil, VGO, and Ethanol. Committed to operational safety, regulatory compliance, and effective bridge team management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Second Mate
Fairwater LLC
11.2024 - Current
- Conduct navigational watch aboard ocean-going towing vessels
- Supervise cargo operations for crude oil and refined products
- Lead emergency drills and ensure STCW/USCG compliance
- Oversee voyage planning and navigational system upkeep
Second Mate
Crowley Maritime
06.2022 - 11.2024
- Maintained safe bridge operations and navigation
- Directed cargo transfers including inert gas and tank operations
- Conducted drills and verified safety protocol adherence
- Monitored weather patterns to ensure safe navigation and operational planning.
- Maintained navigational equipment, ensuring precise readings and functionality.
Third Officer
Crowley Maritime
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Executed bridge watch and voyage monitoring
- Assisted with mooring operations and ship inspections
- Participated in ISM audits and crew safety training
Able Bodied Seaman
Seabulk
05.2020 - 09.2020
Supported deck and cargo handling on Tankers
- Performed general maintenance and line handling
- Assisted in mooring, anchoring, and emergency response
AB Watch Stander
Norwegian Cruise Line
12.2019 - 04.2020
- Performed lookout and bridge watch functions
- Maintained lifeboats and participated in drills
- Supported navigational and onboard safety operations
Cadet
G&H Towing
Houston, TX
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Observed and assisted with tugboat operations
- Gained hands-on experience with navigation and safety systems
- Assisted in line handling and drills during harbor maneuvers
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Transportation
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Galveston, TX01.2019
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Collin County Community College
Plano, TXSkills
- Bridge Navigation & Watchkeeping
- Petroleum & Chemical Cargo Transfer
- Crude Oil Washing & Inert Gas Operations
- Tank Cleaning & Heated Cargo Procedures
- Towing Vessel & ATB Operations
- Emergency Preparedness & Drill Leadership
- Bridge Resource Management
- USCG & ISM Code Compliance
Certification
- 2nd Mate Unlimited Oceans
- 1600 Ton Master
- Master of Towing Oceans
- Tankerman-PIC (Person in Charge)
Professional Development Courses
- Advanced Shiphandling (Marine Institute)
- Advanced Stability (Quality Maritime)
- Advanced Meteorology (Maritime Professional Training)
- Leadership & Management (Management Level) (Northeast Maritime)
- Medical Care Provider (PIC) (Northeast Maritime)
- Search and Rescue (Management Level)(Marine Institute)
- Advanced Cargo Handling (Star Center)
Stcw Endorsements
- II/1 – Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch
- II/3 – Master on ships less than 500 GT
- II/4 – Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch
- II/5 – Able Seafarer - Deck
- IV/2 – GMDSS Radio Operator
- V/1-1 – Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
- VI/2 – Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
- VI/3 – Advanced Firefighting
- VI/4 – Medical First Aid
- VI/5 – Security Awareness
- VI/6 – Security Duties
Timeline
Second Mate
Fairwater LLC
11.2024 - Current
Second Mate
Crowley Maritime
06.2022 - 11.2024
Third Officer
Crowley Maritime
09.2020 - 06.2022
Able Bodied Seaman
Seabulk
05.2020 - 09.2020
AB Watch Stander
Norwegian Cruise Line
12.2019 - 04.2020
Cadet
G&H Towing
05.2017 - 08.2017
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Collin County Community College
Bachelor of Science - Marine Transportation
Texas A&M University at Galveston