Darren J.

Shems
27980 S. Western Ave. #120 ● San Pedro, CA 90732 ● Mobile: 310.749.2666
darrenshems@yahoo.com

SUMMARY

An Operations Manager with 4 years experience in stevedoring. My field of expertise is in Marine

Transportation supported with a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License. Known for
confident decision-making skills in a high stress environment, strong analytical problem solving, and
accurate labor contract interpretation.

▪ Accident & Incident Prevention ▪ Safety Enforcement ▪ Customer Service

▪ Conflict Management ▪ Data Analysis ▪ Recording & Reporting
▪ Training & Development ▪ Team Leadership ▪ Equipment Inventory

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MARINE TERMINALS CORPORATION, PORTS AMERICA GROUP

Superintendent, Long Beach, CA (2005 – 2009)
Directed the pre-plan, execution, and supervision of the duties and labor normally associated with all
aspects of cargo handling activities, to achieve safe, efficient, and profitable operations. Delegated
activities of longshore personnel in the Marine Department, consisting of Longshoremen, Foremen,
Marine Clerks, and Terminal Office Workers that ranged up to 150 employees.

▪ Recognized for superior skills in maintaining positive and productive relations with labor unions, which
represent MTC personnel, as well as MTC customers.

▪ Developed and implemented Operations Procedures under ISO 9000 for Equipment Inventory and
Assignment, and proposed a new barcode/RFID inventory system that would cost a fifth of an alternate
solution.

▪ Investigated and reported accidents and incidents with exemplary detail, ensuring the effectiveness of
subsequent elevated investigations.

▪ Prevented potential environmental incidents through inspections and maintaining procedures. As a

first responder, my duties would include coordinating and overseeing any cleanup operations on site.

▪ Negotiated Conflict Management with Vessel Crew during operations by drawing on experience as a
Licensed Watch Officer.

▪ Maximized throughput of cargo through the terminal by collaborating with other departments for
optimal yard allocation for vessel operations. This also prevented any unnecessary demurrage billing for
the customer.

CSA SHIPPING
Associate, American Canyon, CA (2003)
Streamlined the processing, packing, and shipping of products from local wineries.
Responsible for daily pickups, storage, and distribution.

▪ Utilized new methods to improve packing efficiency, increasing product throughput and expansion of
customer base.

▪ Operated cargo handling equipment under newly acquired certification, saving the company from
having to hire an outside vendor.
DARREN SHEMS Page 2
Cont.

EDUCATION

California Maritime Academy, CSU Vallejo, CA

Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation
U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License
STCW 1995 compliant

Training Cruises:
Summer 2004 Training Ship Golden Bear, Senior Cruise
• Performed watchstanding duties as watch officer, bridge team manager, communications,
meteorology, and supervised ship operations.
Summer 2002 American President Lines, M/V President Polk, Commercial Cruise
• Assisted in operations such as arrival/departure tests, navigation, security, and inspections while
assimilating a self-directed program to further develop my skills.
Summer 2001Training Ship Golden Bear, Freshman Cruise
• Performed watchstanding duties as helmsman, lookout, security, and familiarized ship operations.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document

Ship’s Stability
Towing Officer’s Assessment Record (T.O.A.R.)
Person In Charge of Medical Care, CPR/First Aid
Radar/ARPA
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Basic/Advanced Marine Firefighting
FCC Marine Radio Operator License
Internal Auditor (ISO)
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Hazardous Materials
Maritime Security
Automatic External Defibrillator

TECHNICAL SKILLS

▪ Operations Management Programs ▪ Vessel Planning

▪ PC Hardware/Software installation ▪ Payroll Programs
▪ Inventory Software Development. ▪ Electronic Chart Systems