He is a U.S.C.G. licensed officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine with oversea service in the Pacific and Far East. 

Mark has worked in the tug and barge industry in both domestic and international operations. In 1985 he coordinated the rescue and salvage of the vessel “Garza Star”, a bulk freighter adrift in the North Pacific near the Aleutian chain.

He has served as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve with Mobile Inshore Underwater Warfare and Naval Control of Shipping units. His duties included port security and harbor defense operations and duty as intelligence and security officer.  He has also taught courses in seamanship, navigation, safety, emergency medicine and emergency operations.  He has served active duty in the Middle East.

Mark has worked in the insurance industry and has developed an independent insurance adjusting company.  He is an experienced marine surveyor and consultant and has performed surveys and investigations for several major marine insurance companies in the Pacific Northwest.  Mark’s experience in the marine industry has also allowed him to pursue his professional interest in maritime history and undersea technology.