Fort Schuyler Magazine Spring 2023

aining Ship Captains: on Mission

me College. In making their mark on the world, each returned to serve nerations of mariners. With knowledge and skills received from their nce and wisdom afield, they’ve each played a role in building Maritime’s otivated the world’s finest merchant mariners for generations to come. McManus share similarities between their careers, and celebrate the

Taxi in 2003. In May 2004, following a tragic accident at the Staten Island Ferry, he was selected over 120 candidates as Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer of the NYC Department of Transportation Staten Island Ferry, a role he held until June 2020. During his tenure, major changes were made, including the establishment of a safety management system modeled on the International Safety Management code. New terminals and ferries were commissioned, training programs developed and put in place, a plethora of environmental and regulatory programs were implemented and other enhancements were made. For these efforts, the Staten Island Ferry was recognized as a leader in maritime safety by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Passenger Vessel Association. “We had a good team there, and I like to think the Ferry was a little better when I left than when I found it.” He continues to work as an expert witness and industry consultant through Seaward Maritime LLC, his independent consultancy. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO MARITIME STUDENTS TODAY? “The school offers tremendous opportunity. Give equal weight to everything – the academic and the professional aspects of your education – and research all that’s available to you on graduation. On the deck side, there are plenty of seagoing positions inland as well as offshore.” WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI? “Admiral Alfultis is doing a wonderful job, and the best you can do is support him. The school has kept up with industry changes. And, we’re still open!” Continued on next page

schedules, the superstructure wasn’t painted, the overhead in the wheelhouse was missing, the library and various labs were vacant space. A multitude of things needed to be done before its first Summer Sea Term. Most were accomplished before sailing in May, but the overhead was still missing in the wheelhouse. Everything was taken care of during SST. The ship arrived pristine back at Fort Schuyler – thanks to all hands aboard!” From 1996 to 2003, DeSimone served as Senior Vice President of Cleveland, Ohio based Great Lakes Towing Company, returning to New York as Vice President of Operations for New York Water Capt. James DeSimone 73’ was the Honorary Degree recipient & keynote speaker at the 2019 Commencement. He is pictured here with RADM Michael Alfultis and SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson.

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