Captain Kent Dresser

President/ Founder , RI

Captain Dresser is a highly skilled and experienced marine professional who has dedicated his career to promoting safety and compliance in small craft operations. With over 30 years of experience in the field, he started out as one of the youngest licensed captains in the United States, serving in the quick response marine assistance business in Southern New England.

After earning his 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 top provider of training and consultation services for professional mariners and shoreside maritime facilities.

Under his leadership, Dresser Marine has trained over 5,000 professionals in vessel operations, compliance, and safety. Captain Dresser is the founder of the popular nationwide Confident Captain training program and the Professional Captain's Association, both of which provide training, professional development, and networking opportunities for small boat merchant fleet operators throughout 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 organizations. He has designed and implemented U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and training programs for multiple agencies and provided compliance and risk management training for the national trade association for quick response marine assistance operators, resulting in a decline in operator incidents and an increase in 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 curriculums for powerhouse operators at Seattle City Light - Skagit Hydroelectric Project in Washington State. His contributions to the field 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 also enjoys reading and listening to music and is pursuing a graduate degree in philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He lives in Saunderstown, RI with his wife and two young children.