LUKE PETZY
Ocean Springs
Summary
Lieutenant in the NOAA Corps with extensive experience in maritime operations, vessel management, and team leadership across federal research and commercial marine environments. Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master 100 Ton Near Coastal with 1,000+ sea days operating vessels from 24 to 185 feet. Recognized for professional excellence, including the NOAA Professional Mariner Award and NOAA Corps Director’s Ribbon for operational performance and crisis leadership. Brings proven expertise in multi-vessel coordination, risk management, safety compliance, crew development, and mission execution. Active-duty officer planning civilian transition in August 2026.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Officer
NOAA Ship Oregon II
07.2025 - Current
- Operations Officer aboard a 175-ft multi-mission research vessel supporting oceanographic and fisheries operations in the Gulf of Mexico
- Qualified Officer of the Deck responsible for safe navigation, watchstanding, and crew safety during extended underway operations
- Coordinates vessel operations with ship leadership to optimize operational efficiency and mitigate risk management
- Oversees safe deployment of complex fishing gear and scientific equipment to support data collection
- Manages in-port logistics by coordinating with port authorities and harbormasters to secure pier space, personnel, and essential services
- Coordinates onboarding, pre-departure safety briefings, and developmental training to maintain crew qualifications, compliance, and mission readiness
- Leads dive operations as Ship Dive Officer, including dive planning, equipment maintenance, and dive team coordination
Vessel Operations Coordinator
Great Lakes Research Laboratory
07.2022 - 07.2025
- Coordinated day-to-day operations for the Lake Michigan Field Station and a 16-vessel research fleet
- Served as Operator in Charge aboard 55-ft research vessels on the Great Lakes
- Managed an annual operating budget of $240K for procurement of mission-critical equipment and supplies
- Managed NOAA small boat operations and vessel logistics, including scheduling, maintenance, crew assignments, training, certifications, and mission planning
- Led fleet upgrade initiatives, managing product research, vendor selection, and procurement of safety systems and marine electronics
Navigation Officer
NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
05.2020 - 07.2022
- Earned Officer of the Deck (OOD) qualification, responsible for navigation and safe vessel operations aboard a 185-ft research vessel
- Awarded the NOAA Corps Director’s Ribbon for decisive shiphandling during a propulsion casualty, preventing collision and protecting high-value maritime assets
- Supervised the deployment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), small boats, and SCUBA divers in support of scientific missions
- Served as Ship Safety Officer, overseeing safety inspections and leading emergency drills to ensure regulatory compliance and operational readiness
Captain
TowboatUS Boston
05.2019 - 11.2019
- Operated towboats from Newburyport, Beverly, and Boston, MA
- Provided emergency assistance and towing services in dynamic marine environments
- Coordinated rescue operations with the U.S. Coast Guard and local harbormasters
- Utilized marine electronics including GPS, radar, and VHF radios
- Conducted underwater tasks using SCUBA for mooring maintenance, salvage, and fouled propellers
Captain/Scuba Instructor
Low Key Watersports
07.2016 - 04.2019
- Captain aboard 36-ft charter vessels operating in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands
- Regularly docked and anchored vessels in challenging coastal and offshore environments
- Certifying instructor from Discover Scuba through Divemaster levels
- Ensured passenger safety, vessel cleanliness, and routine maintenance
- Designed and installed underwater mooring systems for a 10-vessel fleet
Northeast Fisheries Observer
MRAG Americas
04.2013 - 10.2015
- Federal fisheries observer contracted by the National Marine Fisheries Service
- Recognized as Observer of the Month from a 160-person cohort
- Completed 325 sea days observing 132 commercial fishing trips from Maine to New Jersey
- Collected detailed biological data under hazardous offshore condition
- Built effective working relationships with commercial fishing crews
Education
Officer Candidate School - NOAA Leadership Development
United States Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Studies & Fisheries Conservation
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA05-2011
Skills
- Operations Management
- Vessel Operations
- Operational Leadership
- Resource Management
- Project Management
- Budget Control
- Training & Development
- Performance Management
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Decision Making
Certification
- U.S. Coast Guard Master 100 Ton Near Coastal
- USCG Tow Endorsement
- STCW Basic Safety / TWIC
- ECDIS and Radar Observer
- NOAA Diver
- PADI Dive Instructor
- Medical Person In Charge
- CPR, First Aid, and AED
- Fall Protection Certified
- Advanced Firefighting
- GMDSS Operator
Timeline
Operations Officer
NOAA Ship Oregon II
07.2025 - Current
Vessel Operations Coordinator
Great Lakes Research Laboratory
07.2022 - 07.2025
Navigation Officer
NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
05.2020 - 07.2022
Captain
TowboatUS Boston
05.2019 - 11.2019
Captain/Scuba Instructor
Low Key Watersports
07.2016 - 04.2019
Northeast Fisheries Observer
MRAG Americas
04.2013 - 10.2015
Officer Candidate School - NOAA Leadership Development
United States Coast Guard Academy
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Studies & Fisheries Conservation
University of Massachusetts, Amherst