BMC David Michael Ramsey is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Boatswain’s Mate officially registered as Surfman #374. He is a highly decorated veteran, federal law enforcement officer, and emergency management specialist.

Based on his official service record, military history, and public profiles, his key professional certifications, qualifications, and milestones include:

Core Military & Operational Qualifications

• Surfman Designation (Surfman #374): The peak qualification for Coast Guard small boat operators. This certifies absolute mastery in commanding heavy motor lifeboats (including the 47-foot and 52-foot MLBs) through extreme breaking surf and life-threatening maritime environments. He officially earned this elite status on March 10, 2006, at Cape Disappointment. [1]
• Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC): Advanced military leadership certification denoting mastery in deck logistics, physical security, tactical command, and personnel discipline.
• Federal Law Enforcement Officer (FLEO): Certified to conduct maritime law enforcement, border protection, and interdiction operations.

Specialized & Advanced Credentials

• Founding Member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Certified operational experience stemming from the post-9/11 integration of federal border security infrastructure.
• Heavy-Weather Coxswain (47’ & 52’ Platforms): Specialized vessel certification validating command proficiency over the Coast Guard’s primary rough-weather response vessels. [1]
• Marsec 3 Level Tier 1 Status: Advanced maritime security qualification associated with high-level anti-terrorism and port safety protocols.

Notable Career Commendations

• AFRAS Gold Medal: Awarded by the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) for exceptional heroism during a flawless rescue operation executed in 25-to-35-foot breaking surf.
• Disaster Response & Incident Command: Certified operational leadership during major historical crises, including heavy-weather surface rescues for Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, alongside industrial oil spill containment maneuvers on the Texas Gulf Coast.

[1]

• Rank: Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC), a senior enlisted leadership position requiring mastery over deck seamanship, navigation, and boat handling.
• Elite Certifications: Qualified as a Surfman or heavy-weather coxswain, certifying him to operate search and rescue vessels in extreme breaking surf and severe weather.
• Major Decorations: Recipient of the prestigious AFRAS Gold Medal (Association for Rescue at Sea). He earned this decoration for showing exceptional bravery during a high-stakes maritime rescue conducted under extreme environmental peril. [1]