Biography - Charlie Kinnear

 2015 - Present:   Expert Witness and Consultant

2014 - Present:    Owner - Kinnear Maritime Services, LLC 

2015 - Present:    Owner - Reliable Maritime Solutions, LLC 

1  Year:                    President - Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line 

5   Years:                 President - Celebration Cruise Line

3   Years:                 President - Celebration Cargo Line

3   Years:                 DNV Senior Classification Surveyor

8   Years:                 U.S. Coast Guard - Senior Marine Inspector

18 Years:                U.S. Coast Guard - Rescue and Law Enforcement 

 Charles H. Kinnear is a U.S. Mariner with 40 years of experience as a U.S. Coast Guard Officer, Classification Surveyor, Maritime Executive, and Expert Witness.  He has one of the most unique and in-depth backgrounds in the maritime industry and a reputation for integrity and loyalty.  Since 2015 Charlie has made his vast experience, dedication, and in-depth knowledge of the maritime environment available as an Expert Witness and Consultant. 

2014 - Present: Founder/Owner Kinnear Maritime Services:  Company originally served as a maritime   consultant and port agent until 2016. Now operates as an expert witness and consulting firm specializing in maritime   cases.  Recent cases include charter   mitigation, Jones Act, boating accidents, as well as passenger and crew injury   cases, including Covid.  Skilled in report   writing compliant with Rule 26 federal standards. Experienced in providing testimony in depositions, tribunals, and arbitration. Qualifications above reproach and   proven track record as a maritime expert.

2015   - Present: Founder/Co-Owner Reliable   Maritime Solutions:  Delivers a wide   array of services, including maritime consulting, ship and project   management, compliance management, and project risk assessments.  Rendered support in resolving issues with   maritime authorities and offered consulting services for operational excellence.    Assessed vulnerabilities onboard   vessels and company procedural gaps by conducting environmental compliance   audits. Played an integral role in   mitigating the risk of potential violations and harm to valuable oceans. Assisted new and existing ship owners by completing   in-depth pre-purchase and compliance surveys.

2014-15: President Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Invited to take on the role of President and   lead the startup of the new company “Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line”, now known   as “Margaritaville at Sea”. The new   line operated one of the largest independent cruise ships on the high   seas. Brought new vessel into service   in less than forty-five days, passing all safety and compliance inspections   in record time.  The new line started   operations from Port of Palm Beach in February 2015, exceeding expectations.

2010-14: President Celebration Cargo Line. Responsible for creating Celebration Cargo   Line and negotiating all services and agency contracts. As General Manager of the new line, managed   all U.S. and Bahamian operations. The   newly formed company exceeded all financial expectations and had a growing   manifest of cargo to Grand Bahama Island.

2009-14: President   Celebration Cruise Line. Served as President for the newly formed Celebration Cruise Line, responsible   for all aspects of management for the shoreside and vessel operations. Also acted as the direct liaison to U.S. and   Bahamian authorities. During the   startup operations in Port Everglades, and later when the entire operation   moved to the Port of Palm Beach, played the lead role in negotiating all port   and service contracts for the new operation. Despite the economic downturn at the time and the challenges of   managing an independent cruise line, the company thrived, boasting a 95%   occupancy, a 5-star rating, and profit margins that exceeded expectations.

2006-09: Senior Passenger Ship Surveyor, Det Norske Veritas   (DNV). Leadership role as a senior surveyor and   instructor with DNV’s Passenger Ship Center. Instructed courses and conducted complex surveys throughout Europe and   the U.S. Responsible for surveying   some of the newest and largest ships operating at the time, ensuring   compliance and safety of passengers and crew.

2002-06: Chief Warrant Officer - U.S. Coast Guard: Lead instructor and inspector for the USCG   National Cruise Ships Center of Excellence, profoundly influenced the maritime   industry. Conducted courses for USCG   Inspectors, Ship Managers, and Class Surveyors from around the world. Conducted numerous inspections on Passenger   Ships in European as well as numerous older vessels returning to U.S.   service. 

1982-98: Chief Petty   Officer - U.S. Coast Guard: Operational career included twelve years of sea time on three   different Cutters. During that time, served   as a Rescue Swimmer, Law Enforcement Officer, Bridge Officer, Executive Petty   Officer, and Officer in Charge. Also   served eight years ashore as a Small Boat Coxswain, Training Officer, Law   Enforcement  Officer, and Executive   Petty Officer.  Worked closely with state   and federal law enforcement agencies.

1980-82: U.S. Coast Guard Presidential Honor Guard: Upon completing   basic training, selected to serve in the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington   DC, conducting ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery,   and D.C. area. Top-Secret Clearance  at age 20 and maintained it for 30 years. 

Full case details available upon request.

• Opined or Consulted on over 15 cases in the last 8 years.
• Familiar with Rule 26(a) Initial Disclosure Requirements.
• Majority of Case for Plaintirff.
• Deposition and Arbitration experienced.

Det Norske Veritas:

• Senior Surveyor for Car Carriers, Bulk Vessels, Freight Vessels, And Passenger Vessels
• Qualified Plan Review Approval Engineer
• Instructor for DNV's Training Academy and Service Manager For Major Cruise Lines.

US Coast Guard:

• Fully Qualified Officer in Charge Afloat and Ashore
• Fully Qualified Senior Marine Inspector for All Major Vessel Types
• Fully Qualified Senior Instructor for The National Cruise Ship Center Of Expertise 

• Management and leadership positions for over 35 years.
• Received formal training in numerous areas of management, leadership and training.
• Experienced with Multi-National situations and work environments.
• Negotiation of large contracts with Government and Maritime service providers.
• In depth knowledge of international and domestic regulations.
• High level of computer skills in operating systems, Microsoft Office applications.
• Experienced managing large and small budgets. 

• Several live and taped television and newspaper interviews.
• Speaker at numerous events, including the "Maritime Day" at UN Facility New York.
• Published in Coast Guard publications and informational letters.
• Experienced Speaker/Instructor with hundreds of hours of podium time.