Meet Cameron Newett: Coast Maritime Founding Partner and Shipyard Operations Expert
Founding Partner, Coast Maritime | President, Yard Dog Industries | Shipyard Project Management Specialist
When Cameron Newett joined as a founding partner of Coast Maritime, he brought something essential that the other founders recognized they needed: deep expertise in shipyard operations, vessel construction, and project management. With over fifteen years of hands-on experience managing everything from major vessel repowers to complex dry dockings, Cameron provides Coast Maritime with the technical backbone necessary to support sophisticated marine construction and maintenance operations.
Building Maritime Expertise from the Ground Up
Cameron's journey into maritime leadership began with his marine engineering studies at Orange Coast College, where he developed the technical foundation that would guide his career. But it was his hands-on experience in shipyards—working with everything from harbor tugs to offshore support vessels—that taught him the practical realities of keeping vessels operational in demanding marine environments.
"You can't manage what you don't understand," Cameron explains. "I've worked on every type of vessel that operates in our waters, from deck level to project management. That experience teaches you what really works and what doesn't when lives and missions depend on reliable equipment."
His progression through various shipyard roles provided comprehensive understanding of vessel systems, construction techniques, and the complex logistics required to maintain operational readiness—expertise that proves invaluable when supporting Coast Maritime's defense and energy sector clients.
Transforming Operations at Curtin Maritime
Cameron's leadership abilities became evident during his tenure as Shipyard Manager at Curtin Maritime Corporation, where he transformed a small operation into a major regional shipyard. When he arrived in 2020, the shipyard had just eight entry-level workers. By the time he left in 2024, he had built a team of over 60 skilled employees across multiple locations.
"Building a shipyard team isn't just about hiring people," Cameron reflects. "It's about creating systems that develop skills, maintain safety standards, and deliver consistent results. Every person we trained became part of California's maritime workforce."
His approach went beyond traditional management. Cameron implemented comprehensive labor training programs that created skilled deckhands, welders, electricians, carpenters, crane operators, engineers, and mechanics. These programs didn't just serve Curtin Maritime—they contributed hundreds of skilled workers to the broader maritime industry.
Excellence Recognized: Safety and Performance Leadership
Under Cameron's leadership, Curtin Maritime's shipyard team achieved recognition that speaks to his commitment to operational excellence. The team was awarded the 2023 AEU Safety Award for USL&H employees—recognition that reflects not just compliance with safety standards, but creation of a workplace culture that prioritizes worker protection.
"Safety isn't just about avoiding accidents," Cameron notes. "It's about creating systems and cultures where people can do excellent work without compromising their wellbeing. That approach leads to better results across every measure that matters."
His safety leadership experience translates directly to Coast Maritime's operations, where defense and energy sector clients expect partners who understand that mission success depends on operational safety.
Entrepreneurial Vision: Founding Yard Dog Industries
In 2024, Cameron launched Yard Dog Industries, a consulting firm specializing in traveling shipyard work and project management. The company reflects his understanding that many vessel owners and operators need access to shipyard-level expertise without the overhead of maintaining permanent facilities.
"I saw a gap in the market," Cameron explains. "Vessel owners often need sophisticated project management and technical expertise, but they don't always need a full shipyard. Yard Dog Industries bridges that gap by bringing shipyard-level capabilities directly to where they're needed."
Yard Dog Industries' mission—bridging the gap between project managers, designers, naval architects, vessel owners, and production employees—demonstrates Cameron's understanding of the complex coordination required for successful marine projects. This perspective proves essential when Coast Maritime supports multi-faceted operations that require integration of various technical specialists.
Hands-On Project Management Philosophy
Cameron's approach to project management reflects his belief that effective leadership requires direct involvement rather than distant oversight. Whether managing a major repower project or coordinating a complex dry docking, he immerses himself in every aspect of the operation.
"You can't manage by spreadsheet alone," Cameron observes. "Real project management means understanding the technical challenges, anticipating problems, and being present when decisions need to be made. That's especially true when you're working with the sophisticated clients that Coast Maritime serves."
His recently completed PMP certification from the Project Management Institute provides formal validation of project management expertise he's been applying for years. This combination of formal training and practical experience positions him to handle the complex logistics that characterize Coast Maritime's most demanding missions.
Comprehensive Vessel Experience
Cameron's hands-on experience spans the full range of vessels that operate in Southern California waters: ocean and harbor tugs, barges, cranes, offshore support vessels, passenger vessels, and dredge equipment. This comprehensive background means he understands the technical requirements and operational challenges specific to each vessel type.
"When Coast Maritime supports a complex mission, I can look at the equipment involved and immediately understand the technical considerations," Cameron explains. "Whether it's positioning requirements, power systems, safety protocols, or maintenance needs, that background allows us to plan effectively and execute flawlessly."
His experience serving as owner's representative for dry dockings provides additional perspective on vendor management, scope negotiation, and quality control—skills that benefit Coast Maritime's client relationships and operational planning.
The "Never-Accept-Defeat" Approach
Cameron describes his management philosophy as having a "never-accept-defeat attitude"—an approach that has proven essential when facing the technical and logistical challenges that define complex marine operations. This mindset aligns perfectly with Coast Maritime's mission to succeed where other contractors have failed.
"Every project presents unique challenges," Cameron notes. "The difference between success and failure often comes down to persistence, creative problem-solving, and refusal to accept that something can't be done. That attitude is essential when you're supporting missions that can't afford to fail."
This approach has proven crucial in Coast Maritime's early successes, including the complex equipment relocations and classified defense missions that established the company's reputation for delivering results under challenging conditions.
Founding Coast Maritime: Completing the Team
When the opportunity arose to co-found Coast Maritime, Cameron recognized that his shipyard and project management expertise could complement the maritime operations, financial management, and technical skills that the other founding partners brought to the venture.
"Coast Maritime represents the convergence of different types of maritime expertise," Cameron explains. "Doug brings regulatory knowledge and business development, Evan provides commercial maritime operations experience, Mike contributes technical systems expertise, Delana handles financial operations, and I add the shipyard and project management capabilities. Together, we can handle anything our clients need."
His role as founding partner responsible for technical project management ensures that Coast Maritime can support not just vessel operations, but the complex logistics and technical coordination that sophisticated clients require.
Building for California's Maritime Future
Cameron's vision for Coast Maritime reflects his understanding of California's evolving maritime landscape. As offshore wind development accelerates and defense technology requirements become more sophisticated, the need for comprehensive marine support services will continue to grow.
"Our clients need partners who can handle every aspect of marine operations," Cameron emphasizes. "That means not just providing vessel services, but managing complex projects, coordinating technical specialists, and ensuring that everything works together seamlessly. That's what we've built Coast Maritime to deliver."
Under Cameron's technical leadership, Coast Maritime is positioned to serve as a comprehensive solution for clients whose missions require the highest levels of coordination, technical expertise, and operational reliability.
Cameron Newett's shipyard expertise and project management leadership provide Coast Maritime with the technical capabilities necessary to excel in California's most demanding marine operations.