Captain JAMES STEELE
SUMMARY
Eight years with British Columbia Ferry Services Inc in the Fleet or as Manager, Marine, Safety and Operational Training, preceded by Canadian Master Mariner Certification upon retirement from full career in the Canadian Navy with final rank of Captain. Consistent strengths in human resources management, resource coordination, interpersonal skills and problem-solving.
CAREER HISTORY
Resource Coordinator 1990-1994 1996-2004
As Chief of Staff to the Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific, responsible for a budget of $189 million and directed the general management functions of 8,000 military and civilian personnel.
As Manager, Marine, Safety and Operational Training, BC Ferries, responsible for the management of an annual budget of $3.8 million to develop and deliver training for 4700 employees to meet all regulatory and safety requirements. Training budget allocated among nine field offices in order to deliver some 60 courses calling for close monitoring of spending to ensure maximum effectiveness and continued regulatory compliance.
Human Resources Manager 1985-1988 1996-2004
As Commander of the Canadian Naval Reserve, administered all naval reservists throughout Canada, consisting of 5300 people distributed among 21 cities, with a budget of $20 million. Ensured long term development of the Naval Reserve by opening new units and initiating more formalized career progression for members.
As the Manager responsible for the Marine Officer Development Program at BC Ferries, developed a support program to assist Deck and Engineering officers upgrading their certificates of competency. Managed an annual budget of $265, 000 and an average of 100 participants. Maintaining the program required detailed knowledge of the certificate requirements and the ability to counsel participants on their options for acquiring assistance both in the classroom and elsewhere.
Analyst /Problem Solver 1973-1977 1981-1983 1996-2004
At National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa and NATO Headquarters, Brussels, responsible for analyzing deficiencies in naval equipment and systems. Coordinated the efforts of diverse agencies to produce solutions on a national basis or through international cooperation among 16 nations.
Conducted training needs analysis as new regulations from a wide range of regulatory authorities impacted on BC Ferries’ operations. Determined the most effective type of training and arranged delivery either through external contractor or a cadre of internal trainers.
Member of evaluation teams at BC Ferries responsible for the acquisition of a wide variety of new equipment, advising on training implications and costs. Responsible for the training delivery on new equipment for groups ranging in size from a dozen to over two hundred.
Acted as a member of the Company’s delegation to the Canadian Marine Advisory Council, working with other representatives of the Canadian marine industry to advise Transport Canada on the impact of proposed regulation changes and later as an advisor to all levels of management in the Company on this subject.
Earlier Career
Extensive travel with considerable human resources responsibilities throughout a career at sea and ashore.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Educated at schools in Canada, England and the U.S.A.
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and History) – Royal Military College of Canada
Canadian Forces Staff and Command College
Canadian Security Studies Course (a senior management level course studying all issues affecting the security of Canada as a nation)
Canadian Master, Foreign-Going Certificate with Continued Proficiency Endorsement
Capable in French
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Nautical Institute (Secretary of the British Columbia Branch)
Nautical Professional Education Society of Canada
Captain Steele is interviewed in a World Business Review segment on Deep Development Corporation