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About Us
Empowering maritime professionals with flexible, comprehensive training solutions
Our Team
Mariner Skills, LLC., has more than 100 employees working in the development center for IT Support
Michael F. Minogue
President & CEOMichael F. Minogue is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, licensed as both a deck officer and engineer, and began his career sailing with American Export Lines and Crowley Maritime. He later served as Port Captain for NYK Lines, managing container vessel operations along the U.S. East Coast and Canada. Transitioning into maritime insurance and crisis management, he worked with Lamorte Burns & Co. on major casualties before founding ECM Maritime Services in 1993, which became a leading provider of compliance and spill response under OPA 90. Today, he leads Mariner Skills, LLC, offering online training for seafarers worldwide, backed by decades of expertise in vessel operations, maritime insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Anush Ramachandran, Ph.D.
Director, TrainingSince 2004, he has been a pioneer in online maritime education, beginning with a partnership with Singapore Polytechnic that led to the launch of the world’s first online Certificate of Competency (CoC) program in 2006. At Mariner Skills, LLC, he spearheaded the development of innovative online training initiatives, growing the organization into an ABS- and USCG-approved provider of online and blended learning. Today, Mariner Skills is on track to becoming a leading global maritime training organization.
Swapan Das Sarma, Ph.D.
Academic DeanHeaded the Singapore Maritime Academy for ten years; a Warwick MBA; a seagoing licensed chief engineer; and twenty years in pioneering maritime e-learning around the globe.
Capt. S. Kishore, FNI, CMMI
Regional Head, IndiaCapt. Sundaresan Kishore is an Extra Master, Fellow of the Nautical Institute UK and Fellow of the Company of Master Mariners of India. His career spans over almost 50 years, primarily in the maritime, energy and technology sectors. Since coming ashore in 1990, he has served in various roles, including educator, auditor, and corporate leader. Kishore’s leadership roles include serving as EVP and Director of Teledata Marine Systems in Singapore, as the Managing Director - India of "Kongsberg Digital" the technology umbrella of a 200+ year old Norwegian MNC "Kongsberg Gruppen" in the defense, maritime and energy sectors, and as Professor of Practice at Indian Maritime University.
Capt. Bhupesh Gandhi
Regional Head, SingaporeBhupesh is a Master Mariner and MBA. A seasoned C-suite business leader with an eternal quest for innovation. impressive credentials in establishing Maritime Technology companies in the APAC Region. (NAVICO Marine, MARIS, TRANSAS and Teledata), brought tremendous growth to the businesses of these Companies. He has been in the field of Maritime Technologies and Digital Learning Solutions for last 20 Years.
Motohiko Kobayashi
Regional Head, JapanExperienced maritime professional with Marine claims handling of 35 years for the Tokio Marine and then 3 years for the Swedish Club. Moto san is also a rice farmer in Hiroshima.
Academic Team
K. Padmanabhan,
Development Head
A postgraduate Mechanical and Marine Engineer, he sailed on different types of ships and combined technical expertise with innovation to make lasting contributions to the maritime industry. He pioneered shipbuilding by constructing India’s largest wooden sailing cargo ship in 1994, developed Asia’s first ship management software, launched India’s first maritime eLearning platform in 2004, and collaborated with DNV to create the Ship Superintendent Courses. With extensive experience in ship repair, ship management / owning, and training, he has led the development of STCW and CoC courses for Indian seafarers since 2016. Passionate about knowledge sharing, he continues to embrace new technologies and regulations to shape the future of maritime education and practice.
Capt. George Sandberg
Captain Sandberg earned a BS degree in Meteorology and Oceanography from SUNY Maritime College and a MS degree in Applied Sciences from SUNY at Stony Brook. He has twenty years sailing experience serving as a Deck Officer and Master aboard Break Bulk, Container Tankers and Liquefied Gas vessels. He has been involved in Maritime Education and Training for over 30 years, teaching and performing course development at both the undergraduate and professional development levels. He Taught and served as Head of The Department of Marine Transportation Department at the U,S. Merchant Marine Academy retiring from the Academy as a Professor Emeritus and now consults in the area of Maritime Training and Education.
Capt. Ashok Mulloth
Ashok is a seasoned maritime professional with over three decades of teaching experience and a robust operational background that includes seven years of sailing and seven years as a pilot and dock master and has handled all types of vessels in restricted waters. As a Lecturer at the Singapore Maritime Academy, he specialized in ship operations, chartering, maritime finance, navigation systems, safety, and Certificate of Competency subjects across Classes 1 to 3, he is a published author of three nautical textbooks.
Capt. S. Somasundaram
Capt. S. Somasundaram is a Master Mariner with over 40 years of experience in the maritime industry, including 22 years at sea before moving into academia in 2000. He has held leadership roles such as Senior Programme Officer at the National Institute of Port Management, QHSE Manager for Deme, Dean at AMET University, and Vice Principal of Massa Maritime Academy. A certified Simulator Instructor, he continues to contribute as a consultant with ADU Academy. Driven by a passion for teaching, he believes true learning comes from teaching and that lifelong joy is found in learning.
Today's maritime professionals face complex schedules that often prohibit access to traditional classroom-based training. Mariner Skills was established to provide a flexible, accessible alternative that meets the needs of modern seafarers and shore-side personnel alike.
IN AN EVOLVING MARITIME LANDSCAPE, MARINER SKILLS ADAPTS WITH CHANGING TIMES
Accredited and Globally Recognized
We are an approved online training provider recognized by the American Bureau of Shipping(ABS) and the United States Coast Guard(USCG). Our courses are accepted by over 170 flag states worldwide, ensuring your credentials carry global recognition.
Flexible Learning for Every Career Stage
Courses are hosted on a leading online educational platform, designed to fit into even the busiest schedules.
Interactive and Student-Centered
Our training experience is designed around the learner, with features like immediate feedback, peer and instructor forums, and the ability to revisit areas for improvement.
why Mariner Skills?
For too long, maritime training has been dominated by providers offering only short form video content that prioritizes convenience but lacks depth. Mariner Skills sets a new standard by combining accredited learning, advanced technology, and real-world applicability into one seamless ecosystem.
Comprehensive Ecosystem
Multi-tiered learning with eLearning, competency management, and AI-powered microlearning
20+ Years Expertise
Backed by decades of aggregated maritime experience and industry knowledge
Standards Compliance
Meets STCW, SIRE 2.0, and RISQ 3.0 international standards
Real-World Focus
Adapted to operational needs of seafrers and maritime organizations