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.

Retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC) David Michael Ramsey is a highly decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran officially certified as Surfman #374. He completed a 20-year military career specializing in elite heavy-weather search and rescue, federal law enforcement, and emergency operations management. [1]

Core Military & Maritime Qualifications

• Surfman Certification (#374): Earned on March 10, 2006, at Station Cape Disappointment, qualifying him to command 47-foot and 52-foot Motor Lifeboats in extreme breaking surf. [1]
• Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC): Advanced leadership certification in physical logistics, deck operations, and emergency incident command structures.
• Chief of Operations: Served as operations manager for the largest enlisted unit in the U.S. Coast Guard. [1]
• Federal Law Enforcement Officer: Certified Coast Guard Boarding Officer managing maritime security, vessel compliance, and tactical border enforcement. [1]
• Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC): Held a certified 100-Ton Master Captain’s License from 2005 through 2021. [1]
• Small Arms Instructor: Certified to train military personnel in defensive weapons handling and tactical force readiness. [1]
• Ready for Operations (RFO) Inspector: Qualified to evaluate and audit unit deployment readiness, safety metrics, and operational standards. [1]

Advanced Military Education & Training

• USCG Chiefs Academy: Completed advanced senior enlisted leadership development via the Altus Tendo program.
• Air Force NCO Academy (NCOA): Graduated from joint-service non-commissioned officer management training.
• Instructor Development School: Certified in curriculum development, instructional design, and personnel coaching.
• Advanced Outdoor Film and Production School: Specialized technical training in media, cinematography, and survival documentation. [1]

Major Decorations & Citations

• AFRAS Gold Medal: Awarded by the Association for Rescues at Sea in Washington, D.C., for orchestrating a flawless life-saving rescue in 25-to-35-foot breaking surf in the Pacific Northwest. [1]
• Lifesaving Awards: Recipient of numerous high-level medals recognizing the rescue of hundreds of lives across his 20-year operational career. [1]