Meet Evan Wanamaker: Founding Partner and Maritime Operations Expert
Founding Partner, Coast Maritime | Master Mariner | California Maritime Academy Graduate
When Evan Wanamaker co-founded Coast Maritime, he brought more than just maritime expertise—he brought a vision of what professional marine support could be in California's evolving defense and energy landscape. With a career spanning from the busy harbors of Los Angeles to the offshore oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico, Evan's journey to Coast Maritime reflects a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-stakes marine operations.
From Sea Scout to Maritime Academy
Evan's path to maritime leadership began early. As a Sea Scout, he achieved the rank of Able Seafarer, developing foundational seamanship skills that would serve him throughout his career. This early passion for the water led him to spend summers as a counselor at Boy Scout Sea Base in Newport Beach, where he shared his love of the maritime world with the next generation.
"The water has always been where I belong," Evan reflects. "From those early days in Sea Scouts to working my way through maritime academy, I knew this was more than just a career—it was a calling."
That calling led Evan to the California State University Maritime Academy, one of the nation's most prestigious maritime institutions. Graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Evan didn't just earn a degree—he earned his place among the maritime industry's elite. His training cruises aboard the academy's training ship took him across the Pacific to Asia and the South Pacific, providing real-world experience that would prove invaluable in his professional career.
Building Commercial Expertise with Crowley Maritime
After graduation, Evan joined Crowley Maritime Corporation, one of America's most respected maritime companies. Over nearly a decade with Crowley, he progressed through increasingly responsible positions, ultimately serving as Chief Mate on ship assist tugs in the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor complex—America's busiest port.
"Working in LA/Long Beach taught me that precision and safety aren't just important—they're everything," Evan explains. "When you're maneuvering vessels worth hundreds of millions of dollars through one of the world's busiest ports, there's no room for error."
But it was Evan's work in the Gulf of Mexico oil fields that provided the specialized experience most relevant to Coast Maritime's current mission. Operating Dynamic Positioning (DP-2) ocean class tugs for oil rig positioning and tow-outs, Evan gained firsthand understanding of the offshore energy sector's demanding requirements.
The Vision Behind Coast Maritime
Evan's decision to co-found Coast Maritime wasn't just about starting a business—it was about recognizing an opportunity to serve California's emerging maritime needs with the highest level of professional expertise. His experience with complex commercial operations revealed gaps in the market for truly professional marine support services.
"I saw what was happening in California's offshore energy development and knew that success would require maritime partners who understand both the technical requirements and the operational realities," Evan notes. "Coast Maritime was founded to be that partner."
His commercial shipping background provides Coast Maritime with credibility that typical charter boat operations simply can't match. When defense contractors or energy companies need marine support, they're looking for operators who understand their world—and Evan's 1600 Ton Master License and offshore experience speak that language.
Technical Excellence and Continuous Learning
Beyond his role as Coast Maritime's founding partner, Evan continues to expand his expertise as an apprentice marine surveyor with the National Accredited Marine Surveyors (N.A.M.S.). This work keeps him current with vessel systems, regulatory requirements, and industry standards—knowledge that directly benefits Coast Maritime's operations.
"Surveying work gives me insights into what makes vessels truly reliable," Evan explains. "That knowledge helps us maintain our own vessel and advise clients on their marine operations."
His Dynamic Positioning certification, earned through the Nautical Institute's rigorous program, positions Coast Maritime to support California's offshore wind development—a rapidly growing sector that demands the highest levels of technical competency.
Leadership in Action
Evan's leadership style reflects his maritime background: thorough preparation, clear communication, and calm decision-making under pressure. Whether planning a complex equipment relocation or supporting a classified defense mission, his approach ensures that every operation meets the exacting standards that Coast Maritime's clients expect.
"Good seamanship isn't just about handling the vessel," Evan observes. "It's about understanding the mission, planning for contingencies, and executing flawlessly when it matters most."
This philosophy has proven crucial in Coast Maritime's success with challenging missions where other contractors have failed. Evan's ability to assess technical requirements, evaluate risks, and develop effective solutions reflects both his commercial maritime experience and his commitment to operational excellence.
Passion Beyond Professional Life
Even away from Coast Maritime's operations, Evan remains connected to the water. His extensive yacht delivery experience, including multiple trans-Pacific races and coastal deliveries, keeps him engaged with the broader maritime community. These experiences, combined with regular family sailing trips to Catalina Island, ensure that his passion for the water continues to grow.
"Sailing keeps me connected to why I love this industry," Evan says. "Whether it's a commercial operation or a family cruise, being on the water reminds you of both the challenges and the rewards of maritime life."
The Future of Professional Marine Support
As Coast Maritime's founding partner, Evan is positioned to guide the company's growth in California's expanding defense and energy markets. His combination of technical expertise, commercial experience, and entrepreneurial vision provides the foundation for Coast Maritime's mission to become the region's premier professional marine support service.
"We're not just providing boat rides," Evan emphasizes. "We're providing professional maritime solutions for clients whose missions can't afford to fail. That's the standard we set for ourselves, and it's what our clients deserve."
Under Evan's technical leadership and operational oversight, Coast Maritime continues to build on its early successes, demonstrating that professional maritime expertise makes the critical difference when missions matter most.