CAPT ERNEST J. FINK, USCG (Ret.)

Captain Ernest J. Fink is Coordinator of Licensing and Professor in the Maritime Technology and Operations Department. In addition to teaching several STCW courses, he oversees the U.S. Coast Guard application process for cadet license applications. He also serves as a State Academy representative to the national Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (N-MERPAC).

Education

  • B.S. in Meteorology and Oceanography, SUNY Maritime College

  • M.S. in International Transportation Management, SUNY Maritime College

  • Unlimited Deck Officer's License, U.S. Merchant Marine

Research

  • Since 2016, represents state maritime academies on the federal Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee 

Experience

Before joining Maritime College, Captain Fink served in a variety of executive, management and technical positions with the United States Coast Guard for nearly 32 years. He is a recognized leader in maritime safety and security. During his Coast Guard career, Captain Fink served as Captain of the Port, Officer-in-Charge, Marine Inspection, Commander Coast Guard Forces and Federal On-Scene Coordinator leading international, national and regional level programs. He also served for seven years as Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center, managing and supervising more than 500 military, civilian and contractor personnel with a budget in excess of $21 million to administer the Coast Guard’s Merchant Marine Licensing and Documentation Program. Prior to his tour in Washington, DC, Captain Fink served as Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Office, Pittsburgh, PA, and as Chief, Merchant Vessel Safety Branch in Boston, MA.

Honors & Awards

  • 2019 President's Faculty Award for Service

  • 2014 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

  • Two U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals

  • Three U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medals

  • Three U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medals

  • Appointed by DHS Secretary to serve on MERPAC for 2 terms (2016-2019; 2019-2022) (and N-MERPAC (2021-2024)

  • Served as Chairman of the Maritime Academy Council (MAC) (2007-2011 and 2019-Present)

  • Represented the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 

  • Served as a State Maritime Academy Representative on the U.S. delegation to the IMO

Courses

  • STCW Basic Training

  • Leadership (LEAD 101)

  • Various STCW courses for professional mariners