Building on the success of AUVSI’s Trusted Operator Program (TOP) for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), this maritime certification program will be the first of its kind, tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by operators of uncrewed systems in the maritime domain.
The program intends to provide a benchmark for training providers and operators, fostering trust across the industry and enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of maritime uncrewed systems operations; covering topic areas such as navigation, vessel recovery, underwater communication, safety management, and coordination with manned vessels.
With the foundation laid for this groundbreaking certification program, we are excited to introduce the leadership team driving this initiative. Our committee co-chairs bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the maritime and uncrewed systems sectors, ensuring the program is shaped by industry leaders committed to advancing standards and best practices.
Meet the Co-Chairs:
Founding Committee:
Alongside our co-chairs, we are proud to introduce a diverse and experienced group of founding committee members. Their leadership will be essential in shaping the initial development of this certification program, laying a strong foundation for uncrewed maritime systems standards. The founding committee plans to expand to a broader advisory committee as the program grows, welcoming additional members to provide further insights and guidance.
| Name | Title | Organization |
| Veneela Ammula | Director, Global Government | ABS |
| Jim Kockler | Director of GARC Training | BlackSea Technologies |
| Austin Gray | Co-Founder | Chief Strategy Officer | Blue Water Autonomy |
| Jason Webb | Advanced Maritime Systems Lead | Booze Allen Hamilton |
| Stuart Chance | Founder & CEO | Chance Maritime |
| Michael Scherer | Chief Technology Officer | Chance Maritime |
| David Thirtyacre | Chair and Chief Pilot, Dept of Flight | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| Nicolas Gracieux | Deputy General Counsel | Exail |
| Jelmer de Winter | Regional Commercial Strategy & Uncrewed Solutions Manager | Fugro |
| Matthew Thompson | Technical Lead | Hydrographic Department Naval Oceanographic Office |
| Jacob Sobin | Business Development | Kongsberg |
| Steve Boraz | Capture Director | Leidos |
| Jonathan Beck | Executive Director and PI | National Center for Autonomous Technologies |
| Caitlin Hardy | Founder + Managing Director | Ness-Sea |
| Capt. Bill Mowitt | Director, UxS Operations Center | NOAA |
| Dexter Malley | Division Chief, Uncrewed Marine Systems | NOAA |
| Peter Oppenheimer | Counsel, GC Uxs Team | NOAA |
| Bruce Morris | Senior Mission Operations Manager | Saronic |
| Gordon Meadow | Chief Executive Officer | Seabot Maritime |
| Hariharan Balasubramanian | Assistant Professor, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering | SUNY Maritime College |
| Robert Nicholson | Affiliated Scientist | University of Delaware |
| Dr. Vishwamithra Sunkara (Vishwa) | Supervisory Data Scientist III, Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise | University of Southern Mississippi - Ocean Enterprise |
| Carl Szczechowski | Coordinator, Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) Certificate Programs | University of Southern Mississippi - UMS Certificate Programs |
If you'd like to learn more or explore opportunities to get involved, feel free to reach out to Casie Ocaña at cocana@auvsi.org. We're excited about the future of uncrewed maritime systems training and appreciate your interest in this initiative.
