Meet The Founder: Doug Misterly
Founder, Coast Maritime | Owner, Prince Charters | Licensed Financial Advisor
Doug Misterly brings a unique combination of maritime expertise, business acumen, and regulatory knowledge to Coast Maritime's operations. As the company's founder and primary vessel operator, Doug's diverse background positions Coast Maritime as a trusted partner for complex marine operations in Southern California's defense, energy, and commercial sectors.
Maritime Heritage and Early Experience
Doug's connection to the sea runs deep. Growing up in a maritime family, he began sailing solo at the age of nine and gained his first professional experience crewing for ash scattering operations at just twelve years old. This early exposure to both the technical and ceremonial aspects of marine operations instilled a profound respect for safety, precision, and professionalism that continues to guide his approach today.
With over 40 years of boating experience, Doug has developed an intimate knowledge of Southern California's coastal waters, weather patterns, and operational challenges. This extensive local expertise proves invaluable when supporting complex missions that require precise navigation and timing.
Professional Credentials and Leadership
Doug holds a United States Coast Guard Captain 100 Ton Master Mariner License, demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards of maritime safety and competency. He maintains current CPR and First Aid certifications, ensuring Coast Maritime's operations meet rigorous safety requirements expected by defense and energy sector clients.
As a licensed financial advisor with more than 30 years of experience, Doug brings sophisticated business management skills to Coast Maritime's operations. This financial expertise enables the company to structure contracts, manage risk, and maintain the operational flexibility that demanding clients require.
Regulatory Compliance and Operational Excellence
One of Doug's key responsibilities at Coast Maritime involves managing regulatory compliance across multiple sectors. His understanding of Coast Guard regulations, environmental requirements, and industry-specific standards ensures that every Coast Maritime operation meets or exceeds the stringent compliance expectations of defense contractors, energy companies, and government agencies.
"Regulatory compliance isn't just about following rules," explains Doug. "It's about understanding why those regulations exist and building operations that exceed those standards. Our clients need to know that choosing Coast Maritime means choosing a partner who takes compliance seriously."
The Islander: Command and Technical Expertise
As the primary operator of The Islander, Coast Maritime's 42-foot crew vessel, Doug combines his decades of maritime experience with intimate knowledge of the vessel's capabilities. His hands-on approach to vessel operations ensures that every mission benefits from both technical expertise and practical seamanship.
Doug's ability to assess marine conditions, plan optimal routes, and adapt to changing circumstances has proven crucial in Coast Maritime's success with challenging missions, including classified defense operations and complex equipment relocations where other contractors have failed.
Dual Business Leadership
Doug's role as both Coast Maritime founder and Prince Charters owner demonstrates his versatility in serving diverse maritime markets. While Prince Charters focuses on consumer services including memorial ash scatterings and recreational charters, Coast Maritime addresses the specialized needs of commercial, defense, and energy sector clients.
This dual perspective provides Doug with insights into both operational efficiency and customer service excellence. The high-touch, personalized approach that defines Prince Charters' memorial services translates into the attention to detail and reliability that Coast Maritime's commercial clients depend upon.
Vision for Coast Maritime's Future
Under Doug's leadership, Coast Maritime is positioned to serve California's rapidly expanding offshore wind energy sector while continuing to support defense technology development and marine construction projects. His combination of maritime expertise, regulatory knowledge, and business experience provides the foundation for Coast Maritime's growth in these demanding markets.
"The defense and energy sectors need marine support partners who understand both the technical requirements and the business realities of their operations," notes Doug. "Our goal is to be the partner they can rely on when mission success is critical."
Beyond the Vessel
Doug's commitment to excellence extends beyond individual operations to building lasting relationships with clients who recognize the value of working with experienced maritime professionals. Whether supporting a classified UAV launch, relocating critical equipment to remote sites, or providing crew transport for offshore construction, Doug ensures that Coast Maritime delivers the reliability and expertise that demanding clients require.
His hands-on leadership style and personal involvement in every aspect of Coast Maritime's operations reflect a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and mission success.