Andrew Blahut, Jr. joined IRI’s Long Beach office as Safety & Technical Manager in March 2012 after an extensive, 30-year career in the shipping industry. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. Blahut held the positions of Port Engineer for Crowley Petroleum Services, Inc. in Long Beach, California and was the lead port engineering representative for the newbuild, vessel start-up and operation of five State-class product tankers. Mr. Blahut was the West Coast Marine Superintendent for U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. in Edison, New Jersey where he managed vessel operations trading on the West Coast as well as numerous shipyard repair, modification and dry dock contracts, along with related technical and regulatory requirements. He has also held the position of Senior Facilities Engineer for the City of San Francisco, as well as various technical and maritime engineering management positions. Mr. Blahut is a member of The American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, American Society of Naval Engineers, American Welding Society, Society of Port Engineers, and the American Society for Quality Assurance Nuclear and has been a member of many other managerial and technical engineering programs throughout his career. Mr. Blahut sailed and held a US Coast Guard unlimited license as a Chief Engineer prior to taking on his extensive shore-side career.

Alan L. Blume joined IRI in the fall of 2007 as Marine Safety Advisor and is responsible for managing flag State inspections for vessels sailing under the Marshall Islands flag. Mr. Blume joined IRI after retiring from the US Coast Guard following over 20 years of active duty service. During his service in the US Coast Guard, Mr. Blume developed a broad base of experience conducting both flag and port state inspections, marine casualty investigations, analysis-based casualty prevention, emergency incident response and management, waterways management, and at sea experience on US Coast Guard vessels. Noteworthy accomplishments include: overseeing the new construction inspections of the first two US flag vessels designed and built to comply with the IMO’s 2000 High-Speed Craft Code; coordinating the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act regulations and the International Ship and Port Facility Code for Long Island Sound ports; the multi-million dollar refit of an Alaska Marine System ferry that included repowering and extensive structural fire protection upgrades; coordinating the safety and security risk assessments for a proposed floating, storage and re-gasification unit to import LNG; and, the implementation of a port state control program in Western Alaska. His investigations experience includes joint flag state marine casualty investigations as well as MARPOL investigations of oil water separator bypasses. He has also co-authored a paper on channel design and ship controllability. Mr. Blume is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers as well as the International Navigation Association. Mr. Blume holds a Master’s of Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island as well as degrees from Yale University and the University of Maine.

Elizabeth S. Bouchard has nearly 25 years of experience in the maritime policy and regulatory fields. She joined International Registries, Inc. as Maritime Policy Advisor in the fall of 2008. Previously, she co-established The SEALAW Group, a maritime and environmental regulatory compliance firm, was Director of Vessel Operations and Maritime Initiatives for the Transportation Institute, a United States based maritime trade association, and provided consulting services for a number of national and international companies. Ms. Bouchard received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Honors from Kenyon College and her Master of Arts in Marine Affairs with a concentration in Maritime Transportation from the University of Virginia. Ms. Bouchard is a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).

Peter Brock joined IRI in 2007 as Marine Technical Advisor. In 2009 he began serving as head of the Houston office through his position as Vice President, Gulf Coast Maritime Operations. Mr. Brock has an extensive maritime background working over 35 years with Lloyd’s Register. While with Lloyd’s Register he held many positions including Principal Engineer Surveyor, Senior Principal Surveyor, Country Manager and most recently as President, Lloyd’s Register North America. As President, Mr. Brock was responsible for all activities in the USA, Canada, Trinidad, Netherlands Antilles, Panama and Mexico. He managed budgets and ensured adherence to all regulations and laws as well as safety and quality conformance. He also served as a guest lecturer for training courses in North and South America. For almost 40 years Mr. Brock worked as a Chartered Engineer and served as the Founding Chairman of the Institute of Marine Engineers—US Gulf Coast Branch. Mr. Brock attended Plymouth College of Technology (now Plymouth University) where he received a diploma in Mechanical Engineering, endorsed for Marine Engineering. He holds First Class Steam and Diesel Certificates of Competency from South Shields Marine and Technical College and London College of Technology respectively. Mr. Brock has spent over a decade at sea on many types of vessels, including tankers and container ships, and sailed as a Chief Engineer.

Mr. Bubar joined IRI in September 2005 after 21 years of active-duty service as an officer in the US Coast Guard. In 2007 he became a Marine Technical Advisor to the Registry where he assists in technical marine matters, among others. His responsibilities with the US Coast Guard included pollution prevention and response, marine technical policy development and vessel design and approval. His final Coast Guard assignment was as Chief, Engineering Division at the Marine Safety Center. Mr. Bubar graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and a license as a Third Assistant Engineer, Unlimited Horsepower Steam and Motor. He earned his Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Mr. Cummins was promoted to Vice President, Vessel Administration in January 2010. Since joining IRI in July 2005, Mr. Cummins has been involved in all aspects of vessel documentation with respect to the issuance of Permanent Certificates of Registry, Civil Liability Certificates for Oil Pollution Damage, Civil Liability Certificates for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, Permissions to Transfer, and Continuous Synopsis Records, among others. Mr. Cummins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and International Affairs from the University of Virginia.

Captain Fay joined IRI in July 2002 as a consultant and was made Vice President, Seafarers’ Documentation in January 2003 then Senior Vice President, Maritime Operations in December 2004. Captain Fay has extensive seagoing experience after nearly 30 years of maritime service as a United States (US) Merchant Marine, serving as Deck Officer on a variety of vessel types, including 15 years as Master of Fast Sealift Ships; 30-knot capable container-Ro/Ro vessels in international service. He earned his B.S. in Marine Transportation Management from the State University of New York Maritime College and has extensive training in modern ship security and training procedures from the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command training center. Captain Fay is currently licensed by the US and the Republic of the Marshall Islands as an unlimited Master with full STCW training and certification. As Senior Vice President, Maritime Operations, Capt. Fay utilizes his expertise and experience to direct administrative functions of the Maritime Services Group, review and evaluate safety and manning requirements, and manage training programs and qualifications for seafarers serving aboard the Marshall Islands fleet. Captain Fay is also a member of the Marshall Islands delegation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and participates in the STW sub-committee meetings.

Born in Cambridge, England, Ms. Francis left an administrative position with the Cambridge City Council to emigrate to the United States in 1983. She has been with IRI since 1985. Her many years of experience contribute greatly in assisting our international clientele with their various corporate requirements and inquiries. 

Captain Freitas joined IRI as Country Manager in February 2012 after serving a distinguished 39 years in the Brazilian Navy. During his naval career, Captain Freitas worked in many capacities ashore and afloat including Divisional Officer, Chief of Operations, Staff-Officer, Instructor, Executive Officer, Commander and Harbor Master. His decorations include the Naval Order Merit Medal with Degree of Knight, Military Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Tamandaré Merit Medal, Marine Merit Medal with two anchors, Santos-Dumont Merit Medal, Legionnaire Merit Medal, Brigadeiro Falcão Merit Medal, and numerous unit citations. In 2006, after holding a two year position as Harbor Master of Maranhão, Captain Freitas was invited to join the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC/Brazilian Coast Guard), which is responsible for the Brazilian Maritime Authority. In his last assignment at DPC he worked in the Surveys, Naval Inspections and Technical Expertise Management Division as Head of the Maritime Casualty Investigation Department, representing Brazil in meetings of the Marine Accident Investigators' International Forum (MAIIF). Captain Freitas holds a degree in Naval Science from The Brazilian Naval Academy, has completed a doctorate level course in Policy, Strategy and Strategic Planning from The Brazilian War College (ESG), and a master’s level course in Naval Warfare and Strategy from The Brazilian Naval War College (EGN). He has also completed a multitude of courses in Maritime Safety Compliance at the International Maritime Safety, Security and Environment Academy (IMSSEA) in Genoa, Italy, among other fine maritime institutions around the world.  

Captain Heinan joined IRI in 1994 after a distinguished career in marine management, most recently as Assistant Secretary for Marine Transportation, the Director of Marine Engineering, and Chairperson of the Board of Pilotage Commission for the State of Washington. As a senior officer with W & C Holdings, Inc./ Manhattan Holdings, Inc. in New York, he oversaw cruise vessel, tug, barge, marine terminal storage and repair yard operations. Captain Heinan also served as General Manager for an operating division of Stolt-Nielsen, Inc. in Singapore. His seagoing experience includes all ranks of ship’s officer and service on board liquid and dry bulk, refrigerated, heavy lift and container handling vessels. He holds a current unlimited US Coast Guard Master’s Certificate, a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Business Management from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the US Merchant Marine Academy.

Ms. Kirby joined IRI’s Legal Department in April 2007 after two years of practicing corporate and securities litigation in Washington, DC. Ms. Kirby earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Santa Cruz and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center. While in law school she clerked for both an internationally recognized land trust and the Ninth District Court of Wyoming. Ms. Kirby is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar, and the District of Columbia Bar.

Mr. Kong joined IRI in 2010 after serving over 20 years of active duty as an officer in the US Coast Guard’s naval engineering field. After his time with the US Coast Guard, Mr. Kong entered the private sector as Senior Principal Engineer at General Dynamics Information Technology and, most recently, Senior Reliability Engineer at The McHenry Management Group. Mr. Kong holds a Masters degree in Engineering Management from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from the US Coast Guard Academy.

Eric W. Linsner joined IRI in January 2011 after a distinguished career in vessel management. He brings 37 years of LNG design and operational experience to IRI where he provides guidance on technical and commercial issues relating to LNG vessels. He was previously employed by PRONAV Ship Management, Inc. (PRONAV) as Senior Vice President where his responsibilities included the management of eight LNG vessels under Marshall Islands flag. His areas of expertise include policy development, regulatory compliance and commercial management. Prior to joining PRONAV, Mr. Linsner was Vice President of Energy Transportation Corporation (ETC), which previously operated these vessels under US flag. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing the company’s quality management system including ISM and ISO certification. He also has experience in P&I claims handling, maritime labor relations, crew training and logistics in support of this fleet. During his tenure at ETC Mr. Linsner served as the General Manager of the Osaka, Japan branch office, responsible for the maintenance and operations of the vessels. He has experience in new construction supervision of the fleet and while on active duty in the US Coast Guard, participated in LPG and LNG vessel plan review, LNG containment system approvals and the development of the US position for the 1973 IMO Gas Code. Mr. Linsner has participated in various industry associations and advisory groups. He received his Master of Science in Engineering Administration from George Washington University and his Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute where he has served as a visiting professor.

Nicholas Makar joined IRI in March 2004 after seven years of ocean going commercial and civilian contracted military (MSC) service with the US Merchant Marines. He is currently licensed by the US Coast Guard as a Chief Engineer, Steam and Gas Turbine Vessels of Any Horsepower, and as a Third Assistant Engineer, Motor Vessels of Any Horsepower, with all required STCW training. Mr. Makar last held the position of First Assistant Engineer aboard the USNS Denebola, a FSS class vessel capable of +30 knots; powered by a 120,000 HP steam turbine propulsion plant. He also worked as a Field Technician for Condition Analyzing Corporation, where he performed vibration analysis and infrared thermographic surveys for international commercial merchant shipping fleets. Mr. Makar earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York Maritime College, and is working towards a Master of Business Administration in Management, after attending an accelerated Master of Science in Business Management program at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is a Member of the American Maritime Officers Union, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the Marine Society for the City of New York.

Diana Manatt-Rogers joined IRI’s Florida office in June 2011 as Safety & Technical Coordinator. She was promoted to Safety & Technical Manager in December 2012. Prior to joining IRI, Ms. Manatt-Rogers gained three years of industry experience working on various ferries and yachts at sea. She attended the Maine Maritime Academy where she received a Bachelor of Science in Vessel Operations & Technology. Ms. Manatt-Rogers is currently a member of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA).

Mr. Manning joined IRI’s Houston office in June 2010 as Offshore Operations Manager following an extensive career in the maritime industry. Mr. Manning was formerly Marine Compliance Manger at Rowan Companies, Inc. where he focused his marine inspection expertise on their fleet of 24 mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). Michael conducted annual audits on the company’s MODU fleet while maintaining corporate awareness of modifications to local and international rig operation regulations. He was also responsible for monitoring and managing the regulatory progress of flag and class society submittals for drilling rig repairs, upgrades and modifications. Prior to joining Rowan Companies, Inc. Michael served 24 years of active duty with the US Coast Guard until retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. His service was comprised of engineering duties, both ashore and afloat, as well as search and rescue, law enforcement and vessel inspection. Mr. Manning received a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College.

Mr. Maupin joined IRI’s Houston office in March 2012 as Flag State Specialist after serving in the US Coast Guard’s Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Branch. As a Port State Control Officer (PSCO), Mr. Maupin has conducted over 400 port State control (PSC) examinations on foreign freight, tank, and gas ships in the Houston-Galveston-Texas City port complex, the largest petrochemical port in the US. Mr. Maupin received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, and has completed numerous training courses in the field of Environmental Safety Compliance and Foreign Vessel Inspections, including PSC Examiner School held in Yorktown, Virginia.

Mr. McHardy joined the Houston office of International Registries, Inc. (IRI) as Vice President, Technical in November 2011 and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Technical in January 2013 with a focus on offshore activities. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. McHardy had a distinguished, 30-year career with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) where he most recently held the position of Manager, Maritime Gulf District, in Houston, Texas. He also held positions in Operations, Customer Service and Business Development with DNV’s Aberdeen, London and Norway offices. Previous to his time with DNV, Mr. McHardy worked as a seagoing engineer and as a shipyard manager. He received an OND in Marine Engineering from Glasgow College of Nautical Studies and is also a graduate of the University of Strathclyde (Scotland), where he received a 2.1 Bachelor of Science Degree in Shipbuilding and Naval Architecture. Mr. McHardy is a member of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).

Hans Molver joined IRI in late 2007 as Marine Safety Advisor and was promoted many times before serving as Vice President, Technical in 2011. In 2013, he was again promoted to Senior Vice President, Technical and serves as a liaison to Classification Societies. Prior to Mr. Molver joining IRI he served as Managing Director of System Compliance Group LLC (SCG) where he was responsible for development, marketing and sales of services to maritime industry clients. Prior to SCG, Mr. Molver served as Marine Engineer for over 10 years with major ship owners and operators. One such company was Royal Caribbean, with whom Mr. Molver held many positions including: Environmental Assurance Officer, Compliance Superintendent, Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) Implementation Facilitator and First Engineer. Through these positions, Mr. Molver oversaw the environmental and hazardous materials compliance verification program, monitored shipboard environmental programs, provided training for the shipboard Environmental Officers and recommended action to prevent an environmental non-conformity related to the product, process and quality system. Mr. Molver has also worked for 12 years in the power generation industry, as a Control Room Operator for Philip Morris USA and CoGentrix of Virginia developing methods for efficient power generation. Mr. Molver is a graduate of Aalesund Maritime Academy in Norway where he received his Merchant Marine Engineer’s License.

Rear Admiral North held the position of Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety until his retirement from the US Coast Guard in 2001, after more than 34 years of service, primarily as a specialist in maritime safety and environmental protection programs. In his last assignment, he coordinated national and international regulatory programs for commercial vessel safety, port safety and security, waterways management and marine environmental protection, and led the United States Delegation to meetings of the Maritime Safety and Marine Environmental Protection Committees of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Prior to his assignment to US Coast Guard Headquarters, RADM North served as Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District - New Orleans where he was responsible for all Coast Guard operations over a 26 state area. RADM North is a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, and the US Army War College. His decorations include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with three gold stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal with one gold star, Coast Guard Achievement Medal and numerous unit citations and special operations service awards. RADM North is a Trustee of the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey, a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and a member of the Lloyd’s Register American Committee.

Angela Plott joined IRI in September 2007 with over 20 years of experience in the maritime and political fields. Previously, she was Vice President of the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL). During her tenure, she developed and implemented positions to relevant US and international governmental bodies on cruise maritime policies and shipboard operational procedures, in particular relating to tourism and travel, economic impact, medical facilities, health, sanitation and labor issues. As chair of the ICCL Medical and Sanitation Committees, she drafted the industry’s SARS and Pandemic Response Plans and successfully negotiated with the US Centers for Disease Control for revisions to the Vessel Sanitation Program Operation and Construction Manuals. Prior to this she worked on Capitol Hill and as a consultant representing both public and corporate clients before Congress. She holds a Master of Business Administration from DeVry University, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/International Relations from Boise State University. Ms. Plott is a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).

Mr. Polderman became a maritime consultant for IRI in 2004 concentrating on marine issues such as inspection regimes and requirements, technical investigations and other technical marine matters. His strong maritime background began in 1955 with the Royal Schelde Shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, where from 1963 he performed the duties of assistant manager in the ship repair department and in 1965 became manager of new ship construction. Mr. Polderman joined Lloyd’s Register in 1970 in Rotterdam where he had a short posting in Spain and was later transferred to the US in 1978 where he had postings in New Orleans, Mobile and Miami. His expertise with Lloyd’s Register was in ship classification and regulatory requirements specializing in the cruise ship industry. Mr. Polderman’s career with Lloyd’s Register spanned 33 years and he retired as Senior Vice President of Marine Services for North and South America. He studied Naval Architecture in Dordrecht, Holland and earned a Degree in Naval Architecture from HTS Dordrecht.

Mr. Poskaitis joined IRI in June 2007 after 26 years of service in the US Coast Guard. In 2006, Mr. Poskaitis was assigned to US Coast Guard Headquarters as Chief of Investigations and Analysis where he was responsible for program management and operational oversight of all marine casualty, marine pollution and environmental crimes investigated by the US Coast Guard. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Chief of Strategic Planning and Analysis for the Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection. He directed all strategy improvements including the systematic integration of risk assessment and management techniques. His experience includes an emphasis in Operations Management, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Incident Management, Regulatory and Policy Development, and Performance Management. Mr. Poskaitis has a Master’s of Engineering Management from The George Washington University, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science from the US Coast Guard Academy.

Ms. Randmer joined IRI in August 2010 with over 10 years of shipping industry experience. Prior to joining IRI, Ms. Randmer’s most recent position was Pool Accounts Manager for Sokana Chartering Inc., which commercially operated a fleet of 30 chemical tankers. Previously, she was Project Manager for Eitzen Maritime Services (EMS), which owned and operated a fleet of 120 vessels. In this role, she was responsible for the transfer of all accounting and purchasing for EMS worldwide offices to Mumbai, India. Ms. Randmer also served as General Manager of Blystad Shipmanagement Ltd., based out of Glasgow, Scotland, where she facilitated the branch’s rapid growth by expanding their fleet of oil/chemical tankers and bulk carriers from 6 to 20 in less than four years. Ms. Randmer graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Pace University, a Business/Paralegal degree from the University of Bridgeport and an Accounting degree from the Stone School of Business. She has also completed numerous safety, security and quality management training courses administered by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a certified ISO 9001:2008 Lead Internal Auditor.

Mr. Santram joined IRI in May 2006 as Maritime Radio & Communication Specialist and was promoted to Vice President, Maritime Radio & Operations in January 2012. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. Santram held the positions of Merchant Marine Officer and Technical Controller with V.Ships USA LLC in Miami, Florida. He has also served as a Radio Officer on crude oil tankers and chemical carriers, keeping dual watches as an uncertified 3rd Mate during periods of navigational officer shortage. His background in communications and navigation, and experience working as Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) on deck and engine rooms serves him well in his current capacity. Mr. Santram was formally educated in Bangalore, India. He holds several technical maritime certifications including GMDSS Operator, Marine Radio Operator, and an Electro Technical Officer’s Certificate for which he studied at the Indian Institute of Technology (Chennai).

Ms. Sherman joined the IRI group of companies in 2001 as a Marketing Coordinator, and was promoted to Director, Marketing and Communications in 2007. Ms. Sherman serves as an excellent resource for implementing corporate and maritime marketing programs and acting as a communications liaison both internally and externally for the company. She received her Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, is a cum laude graduate from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy and former Director of Communications for an estate planning law firm. Ms. Sherman is a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).

Mr. Suazo worked as a consultant with IRI for three years in the IT Department prior to accepting the position as Director, Information Technology in 2001. Tony received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He has over 14 years of information technology experience with his primary focus being in Oracle.

Captain Sweeney joined IRI in January 2003 following a distinguished career in the international maritime services industry. A business leader with recognized accomplishments in fleet growth and technical innovation, he began his seagoing career with Texaco Inc., and after coming ashore he held a number of domestic and foreign assignments including Manager of Tanker Operations for Texaco’s 24-ship US flag fleet. After 17 years with Texaco, Mr. Sweeney joined Seabulk International where, over the next 19 years, he held various executive positions, ultimately being appointed President, Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Sweeney retired from Seabulk International in late 2000. Before joining IRI full-time, he was Principal of Sallyport Marine Services, providing marine consulting and expert witness services. In addition to being a Member of the American Bureau of Shipping and the Marine Society of the City of New York, he serves as a Trustee of the Coast Guard Foundation, Director and Vice President of the Seafarers’ House in Port Everglades and Director of the United States Superyacht Association. He recently completed an eight-year appointment to the Florida Board of Pilot Commissioners. Captain Sweeney holds a US Coast Guard Unlimited Master’s license and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nautical Sciences & Marine Transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College.

Ms. Yurovchak joined IRI’s Legal Department in February 2007 and was promoted to Associate General Counsel in 2008. She graduated cum laude from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications and earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. At Gonzaga, she was an Articles Editor and Editorial Board member of the Gonzaga Law Review and served as a Law Clerk to the Washington State Attorney General. In addition, she studied International Human Rights and Comparative Law in Florence, Italy. Ms. Yurovchak is a member of the American Bar Association, the Washington State Bar and the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).