Meet the Owner

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Captain Mike has been operating vessels in the capacity of captain since 1995 and has over 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry. He spent his first 17 years commercial fishing, where he found his calling at sea. He quickly worked up the ranks to captain gaining experience from Norton Sound in the Bering Sea to Southern California.

After obtaining his USCG Master's license, formal maritime training at Pacific Maritime Institute and Clatsop College, Mike spent many years as a senior captain for Cruise West, where he ran expedition cruise ships in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, California, and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

His career in the fishing industry, combined with many years running passenger vessels, has given Mike a diverse skill set and knowledge. This includes a strong mechanical background, with extensive experience in vessel maintenance and repair and an understanding of all operational systems aboard a vessel. Strong customer service skills, a friendly personality and professionalism, complement his operational and mechanical abilities.

Mike has been captain and vessel manager for the R/V Ukpik since it was first brought to the Arctic in 2011, and is now the sole member of Southern Cross LLC, owner of the R/V Ukpik and R/V Annika Marie.