BMC David Michael Ramsey is a retired United States Coast Guard Chief Boatswain’s Mate who holds the elite Surfman #374 designation. He completed a 20-year military career marked by advanced maritime, tactical, and operational leadership qualifications. [1, 2]

Core Maritime & Operational Qualifications

• Surfman Designation (#374): Earned on March 10, 2006, at Station Cape Disappointment. This is the highest qualification for Coast Guard small boat operators, certifying absolute mastery in commanding heavy motor lifeboats (47-foot and 52-foot MLBs) through extreme breaking surf and severe weather. [1]
• Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC): Advanced military leadership qualification denoting expertise in deck operations, physical security, tactical command, and crew discipline.
• Certified Coxswain: Qualified to command and operate standard Coast Guard small vessels in diverse operational environments. [1]
• 100-Ton MMD Captain’s License: Held a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Captain’s License from 2005 to 2021. [1]
• Chief of Operations: Served as the operational head for the largest enlisted unit in the Coast Guard, managing fleet logistics, training, and emergency response readiness. [1]
• Ready for Operations (RFO) Inspector: Qualified to evaluate, inspect, and certify Coast Guard units for strict mission capability and survival readiness. [1]

Tactical & Law Enforcement Qualifications

• Federal Law Enforcement Officer (FLEO): Certified Boarding Officer qualified to conduct maritime law enforcement, border protection, and safety interdictions.
• Small Arms Instructor: Certified to train and qualify military and law enforcement personnel in small arms proficiency and safety. [1]

Advanced Military Education & Training

• USCG Chiefs Academy: Graduate of the Coast Guard’s premier leadership and organizational management academy (Altus Tendo).
• Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA): Graduate of the advanced joint-service leadership and professional military education course.
• Instructor Development School: Certified educator for advanced military curriculum delivery.
• Advanced Outdoor Film and Production School: Specialized qualification in tactical and outdoor media documentation. [1]

Noteworthy Career Achievements

• Founding Member of the Department of Homeland Security: Served through the post-9/11 structural transition and integration of federal security agencies.
• Association for Rescues at Sea (AFRAS) Gold Medal: Awarded in Washington, D.C., for exceptional bravery and successful maritime search and rescue operations. [1]
• Disaster Response Leader: Commanded high-stakes, heavy-weather surface rescues during catastrophic events including Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey.