Captain Dresser is a highly skilled and experienced marine professional and small craft subject matter expert who has dedicated his career to promoting safety and compliance in small craft operations. With over 30 years of experience, he began as one of the youngest licensed captains in the United States, working in the quick response marine assistance industry in Southern New England.
After earning a B.A. in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, Captain Dresser served aboard the Reinauer fleet out of New York Harbor. In 2003, he founded Dresser Marine LLC, a leading provider of training and consultation services for professional mariners and shoreside maritime facilities.
Under his leadership, Dresser Marine has trained over 10,000 professionals in vessel operations, compliance, and safety, including the U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license course. Captain Dresser also founded the popular nationwide Confident Captain training program and the Professional Captain’s Association, both of which offer training, professional development, and networking opportunities for small boat merchant fleet operators across the United States.
Captain Dresser’s expertise in risk management, compliance, and vessel operations training is widely recognized and sought after by various organizations, including police and fireboat operators, U.S. Military Special Forces, and commercial entities. He has designed and implemented U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and training programs for multiple agencies and has provided compliance and risk management training for the national trade association for quick response marine assistance operators, contributing to a reduction in operator incidents and enhancing safety and professional development for assistance towing captains nationwide.
Recently, Captain Dresser led a team of professional small boat captains to develop and implement vessel operations, compliance, and risk management curricula for powerhouse operators at Seattle City Light’s Skagit Hydroelectric Project in Washington State. His contributions have had a significant impact on the safety and professionalism of small craft operations nationwide.
In addition to his professional achievements, Captain Dresser is an avid boater, sailor, and skier, and is actively involved in powerlifting and martial arts. He enjoys reading and listening to music and will be completing a dual graduate degree in philosophy and an MBA from the University of Mary in December 2024. He is also embarking on a PhD in Business Administration, with a completion date of spring 2027. He lives in Saunderstown, RI, with his wife and two young children.
