Marine Engineer; Marine Operations; Port Engineer

W. Ronald Adams

** ******* ***** *****, ***********, NC 28787

828-***-**** • *******@*****.***

Maritime Professional

Highly qualified marine engineer and operations manager with over 25 years experience. Results focused and effective manager with proven abilities in project management, operations, finance, construction, repair, maintenance and total vessel refurbishment. Exceptionally strong organizational and planning skills. Extensive marine construction experience including onsite construction and renovation of vessels and support structures. Managed the start-up and operation of several new passenger vessel operations. Proven record of successfully managing with integrity and efficiency. Proficient in and/or accountable for:

• Vessel Engineering • Vessel Operations • Project Management

• Procurement/Purchasing • Vendor Management • Supply Logistics

• Preventative Maintenance • Budgeting • Planning/Scheduling

• Contract Management • Troubleshooting • P&L Management

• Risk Management • Safety Management Systems • Itinerary Planning

• Regulatory Compliance • CDC/VSP, USPH • USCG, ABS, DNV, Lloyds

Professional Experience

Adams Maritime LLC, Asheville, NC April 2007 to Present

Owner/Operator

Marine consulting and small business owner/operator. Managed, developed and nurtured a very successful cooling parts wholesale distributorship. Sold cooling parts business in March 2010. Numerous consulting projects and assignments including work with Ambassador Cruise Group’s Majestic America Line. Consulted in operations, engineering, condition surveys, owner’s representative and feasibility studies.

Ambassador Cruise Group, Seattle, WA March 2006 to November 2008

Project Manager (Consultant)

Contracted to Ambassadors’ Majestic America Line to oversee the extensive dry-docking, refit and refurbishment of the company’s vessels. Work included hull repairs, steel replacement, boiler overhauls, engine overhauls, generator overhauls, and extensive mechanical refurbishment and replacement. Complete coatings renewal, swimming pool repairs, navigation equipment upgrades and interior refurbishment and redecorating. Limited consulting from May 2007 until November 2008.

Delta Queen Steamboat Company, New Orleans, LA July 2000 to March 2006

Vice President - Operations

Senior multi-department manager responsible for Marine Engineering and Operations, Facility Operations, Hotel Development, Risk Management and Security. Completely responsible for departmental P&L, regulatory and corporate compliance, and the day-to-day operations of the vessel and cruise terminal. Originally employed to plan, start and operate new ocean going luxury U.S. flagged cruise ships on domestic and foreign itineraries. Promoted to the steamboat operation following the bankruptcy of American Classic Voyages, the former parent company of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Key senior manager during the reorganization and the successful emergence from Chapter 11 protection. Led the reorganizing of the management structure to consolidate department for more cost effective operations. Reduced annual lay-up spending by 40% as a result of implementing efficient planning procedures that required cost to benefit analysis prior to approval and consolidating the navigation, engineering and hotel development projects. Operations consistently came in below plan budget. Successfully implemented new SOPs, new purchasing procedures, planning processes and budgeting processes that led to maintaining expenses well below prior to bankruptcy operations. Developed and acted as internal auditor for the companies Safety Management System. Successfully implemented a new hospitality initiative that effectually changed the culture of the company.

R. C. Wegman Construction Company, Aurora, IL August 1999 to July 2000

Project Manager - Marine Construction

In charge of the construction of a floating casino and the associated docking platform. Developed the marine construction processes and procedures. Developed bid documents and negotiated contracts. Managed the bid and contracting process. Managed contractors.

Blue Chip Casino Incorporated, Michigan City, IN November 1996 to August 1999

Site Project Manager; Manager of Marine Operations and Facilities

Managed the construction, production, contractors and day-to-day activities during the on site construction of a $40M, 15,000T, 3500 passenger casino vessel. The vessel was constructed with less than 2% rework and less than 4% in non-owner directed changes. The objective, which was met, was to construct a quality ship within budget on or before an aggressive target completion date while maintaining focus on building a vessel that is operations friendly. Transitioned into marine operations and facility management upon the successful completion of the vessel construction. Established departmental budgets, policies, procedures, goals, objectives, position requirements, etc.

Empress Casino Corporation, Joliet, IL November 1993 to November 1996

Director of Marine Operations

Started as Chief Engineer and was promoted to Port Engineer and then Director of Operations. Managed three ships (1000 passengers, 1200 passenger and 2700 passengers) at two properties. In charge of the complete interior overhaul of the Empress I. Developed and improved operational procedures for both Deck and Engineering. As Director of Marine Operations and ultimately Corporate Director of Marine Operations I reduced the overall operating budget by 20%. This budget reduction was partially due to the elimination of unnecessary service agreements, outside contractors, the development of a proactive preventive maintenance plan and more competitive purchasing practices within the Marine Department. These budget reductions were attained without sacrificing the safety, quality, appearance or proper maintenance of the vessels.

LA Cruise, Jacksonville, FL April 1992 to November 1993

Port Engineer

Began as 1st assistant engineer, then Chief Engineer. Key manager during the extensive conversion of a Panamanian flagged passenger vessel to operate as a cruise to nowhere casino in U.S. waters.

Global Commerce Incorporated, Chicago IL March 1991 to March 1992

Owners Representative (Under Contract)

Acted as owner’s representative during the completion of a $16M luxury, highly technical yacht in Seattle, WA. Sailed the vessel from the shipyard to Panama as the Chief Engineer for delivery to the owner. Trained the crew to operate this complicated vessel.

Clipper Cruise Line Incorporated, St. Louis, MO August 1986 to February 1991

Chief Engineer

Began in the shipyard in support of the construction of the M/V Yorktown Clipper. Sailed as an unlicensed Assistant Engineer for about 12 months and then as Chief Engineer onboard three of the company’s passenger vessels. Participated in 10+ dry dockings and numerous machinery and interior changes. The vessels’ itineraries ranged from Alaska to Costa Rica on the West Coast and from Nova Scotia to the Caribbean and South America on the East Coast.

First Coast Shipbuilding, Green Cove Springs, FL July 1981 to August 1986

Junior Engineer/Draftsman

Began apprenticeship as a marine engineer. Developed construction drawings and concepts. Participated in the construction of many oil field support vessels, passenger vessels and yachts.

Additional Information

• Marine Engineer • Certified Company Security Officer

• USCG Licensed Chief Engineer (exp) • Panamanian Licensed Chief Engineer (exp)

• Former RGMA Board Member • PVA Regulatory Committee member

• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

Experienced in both a Union and non-union construction and operation environments. Extensive experience with port state regulatory bodies and classification agencies such as ABS, DNV and Lloyds. Extensive experience with many software applications, including AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, Acrobat, Timberline, AMOS, etc. Open-minded and positive attitude.

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