Compass Courses is a private maritime training organization owned and operated by Julie K. Keim. We proudly provide USCG approved licensing and safety training. Since its inception in 2000, Compass Courses has trained 7000+ mariners in 15 USCG approved courses.
Julie Keim
Owner
Julie Keim founded Compass Courses eleven years ago. She sailed on her license in the small passenger vessel industry, just long enough to recognize her passion for safety and desire to help mariners navigate the abyss of regulations impacting their maritime careers. Julie comes to us from the beautiful waterfront town of Edmonds, just north of Seattle, Washington.
julie@compasscourses.com (425) 778 1923
Michael Heys
Port Captain
Michael brings 18+ years of maritime experience ranging from Mate on mega-yachts to working for Cruise West as Mate, Captain and most recently Port Captain. Michael’s experience as a Captain and USCG approved Instructor will enhance the training opportunities of Compass Courses, while his background in Operations Management will support continuing growth of the maritime training school. Michael Heys oversees Compass Courses’ daily operations and works closely with the school’s Owner, Julie Keim.
michaelh@compasscourses.com (425) 778 1923
Dana Lewis
Retired Coastie
“Capt. Day-ner”, to many who have sailed with this old “Salty Dog”. He can be found sipping coffee (yeah right) at the Ballard Locks harassing the passers by. Dana is by far one of Compass Courses’ highest profiled catastrophic success stories and our first string “Go to Guy”.
dana@compasscourses.com (425) 778 1923
Betsy McDaniel Boyer
Instructor
Betsy has been working in some aspect of the maritime industry since 1988. She worked on small passenger ships throughout the 90′s and holds a 500 ton NC Masters license. She has been involved in training with Compass Courses since it’s inception in 2001 and works with many other organizations in the Puget Sound region as a maritime trainer. When Betsy is not teaching at Compass Courses, she is busy with her video production
business, True Bearing Productions.
David Richards
Radar Man
Since Joining the U.S. Navy in 1977, David served on various military vessels such as the USS Independence and the USS Nimitz to name a few. He is a respected member of the maritime training community and has taught for organizations including the USCG, Trident Seafoods, Washington State Ferries, Foss Maritime, Island Tug and Barge, and many others. Now, as a part of Compass Courses, He continues to assist students in getting the training they need to meet their maritime goals.
david@compasscourses.com
Mike Mattie
The Oracle
Came to Compass Courses as our student adviser in early 2009, with almost fifty years of maritime experience. Mike is a retired Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer with twenty one years of active service and twenty two years civilian service with the Coast Guard MSO Puget Sound, including fifteen years as Assistant Branch Chief and evaluator at the Seattle (REC). He’s the only guy we know who carries around his own copies of the CFRs, and he’s not afraid to use them!
Penny Richter
Purser
Penny is our head Purser and is responsible for student registration. She is a smiling face that is always here to make sure your time at Compass Courses is everything you need it to be. Penny has been with our crew for nearly 3 years.
admin@compasscourses.com (425) 778 1923
Rich Preston
Retired USCG Captain
Rich brings out the ice hockey enthusiast in everyone he encounters. When Rich isn’t tearing it up on the ice, he can be found somewhere in Southeast Alaska onboard his C-Dory or jet setting around the Northwest looking for the ultimate ski run. In his spare time, Rich is working on his pilotage for Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. WooHoo!
James Cushman
Retired Coastie and Unlimited Master
Jim, “Do You Wanna Have Lunch” Cushman is the “King of Sea Stories”, his real claim to fame is his jump shot although Julie hasn’t been able see it, must be her height advantage…………..Capt. Cushman, everywhere you want to be. His expense reports reach from Samoa to Seattle to St. Thomas and beyond.
jim@compasscourses.com
Joel Willis
Firefighter/Paramedic
His favorite part of working for Compass Courses involves demonstrating donning bunker gear with the Compass Manikin. Joel is often mistaken for a country music star. Can you guess which one? But seriously, Joel is by far one of the most talented Firefighting and Medical instructors this side of the Mississippi and our students will attest to it.
joel@compasscourses.com
Katie Haven
Crisis Management Expert
Katie is a well respected professional and Compass Courses is proud to be associated with her. She also moonlights as a Chief Engineer for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
katie@compasscourses.com
Eric Fisher
Tug Boat Guy
Eric has sailed as AB on research vessels in places like Nova Scotia and Mexico, and worked as captain of Army landing craft on a small atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Most of his career was spent on passenger vessels in Alaska before making the move to tug boats. When not towing barges around the northwest, Eric works as assistant insturctor at Compass Courses, and tries to keep the website up to date. Proof that the Hawspipe is alive and well, Eric enjoys helping fellow mariners make successful careers on the water.
eric@compasscourses.com