Karynn Marchal
Chief Officer and Maritime Professional
About
Hailing from La Porte, Texas, where the Houston Ship Channel sparked my passion for the sea, I am a dedicated maritime officer with a U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited Tonnage Masters License. As Chief Officer with Maersk Line, Limited, I navigate container vessels across global waters, with over a decade of experience visiting 50+ countries. From Third Officer to Chief Officer, I've gained years of experience in navigation, cargo operations, and leading diverse teams aboard car carriers and container ships. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University's Maritime Academy, holding degrees in Marine Transportation and Maritime Administration, I blend academic rigor with hands-on seamanship. Now, as a Houston Pilot Deputy Applicant, I'm charting the next course in my maritime career with precision and purpose.
Navigation & Ship Handling
Skilled in celestial and electronic navigation, emergency ship handling, and advanced maneuvering
Maritime Leadership
Deck Department Head and OIC of navigation watches with proven team management skills
Cargo Operations
Stability, safety, and cargo operations specialist on container ships and car carriers
Maritime Instruction
Texas A&M instructor teaching seamanship, rules of the road, and ship operations
Professional Voyage
Chief Officer
Maersk Line, Limited
Serving as Chief Officer aboard M/V Maersk Iowa, M/V Maersk Columbus, and M/V Maersk Kensington. Leading deck operations and managing navigation watches on container vessels in international trade.
- OIC of navigation watches and in-port cargo operations
- Stability, Safety, Environment, Medical and Cargo Officer
- Deck Department Head and Supervisor
- Currently completing Master Relief training for promotion to Master
Chief Officer
Waterman / Seabulk Offshore, LTD
Promoted to Chief Officer aboard M/V Green Lake, managing all deck operations and serving as Officer in Charge of navigation and cargo watches.
- Advanced to senior deck officer position
- Managed complex navigation and cargo operations
- Demonstrated leadership in challenging maritime environments
Second Officer
Seabulk Offshore, LTD
Served as Second Officer aboard M/V Green Ridge, gaining valuable experience in navigation and cargo operations while preparing for advancement to Chief Officer.
- OIC of navigation watches and in-port cargo operations
- Developed experience in vessel operations and safety
- Built foundation for senior officer responsibilities
Third Officer
Maersk Line, Limited & Central Gulf Lines
Launched maritime career as Third Officer aboard M/V Maersk Kentucky, M/V Green Cove, and USNS Harry L. Martin. Gained international experience calling 50+ countries worldwide.
- OIC of Navigation watches and in-port cargo watches
- Sailed on car carriers and container vessels globally
- Established strong foundation in maritime operations and seamanship
Third Officer/Instructor
Texas A&M University
Served as instructor aboard USTS General Rudder, teaching maritime cadets essential seamanship skills, rules of the road, and ship operations.
- Instructed cadets in seamanship and navigation
- Taught maritime regulations and ship operations
- Mentored next generation of maritime professionals
Education & Certifications
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas Maritime Academy
- B.S. Marine Transportation
- A.B.A. Maritime Administration
- U.S.C.G. Third Officer's License, Unlimited Gross Tonnage
U.S.C.G. Masters License
Unlimited Gross Tonnage
Advanced Ship Handling
Specialized vessel maneuvering
Emergency Ship Handling
Crisis response and safety
Managerial Navigation
Leadership assessment skills
Search and Rescue
Maritime emergency response
Medical Person in Charge
Shipboard medical officer
Featured Voyages
International Cargo Operations
Successfully managed complex cargo operations across 50+ countries while serving on car carriers and container vessels, ensuring safe and efficient global trade operations.
Maritime Education & Training
Developed and delivered comprehensive maritime training programs for Texas A&M cadets aboard USTS General Rudder, covering seamanship, navigation, and vessel operations. I have had the privilege of speaking on the "Charting Empowerment Horizons: Exploring Resilience, Triumph, and Fulfillment Across Dimensions and Operations" Panel at the 2023 Women Offshore Conference as well as being the Closing Keynote speaker at the 2025 Women Offshore Leadership Summit held at Shell.
Houston Pilot Deputy Applicant
Actively recording trips, currently have 10 inbound and outbound transits from the Galveston Sea Buoy to barbours cut turning basin, to be able to sit for my federal pilotage in the near future.
Volunteer Work
Waves of Impact
Surf Camp Volunteer
My favorite organization that I love to volunteer for when I can is Waves of Impact. I first became aware of this group when I joined my best friend, as her brother has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound.
After attending a couple of times with them, I thought since I'm always here anyway, I'd love to be a volunteer. So I signed up for the next camp and have now worked three camps as a volunteer.
Waves of Impact provides surf therapy and adaptive surfing experiences for individuals with exception challenges. It's incredibly rewarding to help participants experience the joy and freedom of riding waves, often for the first time in their lives.
Galveston Island Humane Society
Animal Care Volunteer
Supporting animal welfare and rescue operations in the Galveston community, helping provide care and finding homes for animals in need. I have successfully fostered and found loving homes for 8 cats and 1 dog, contributing to the organization's mission of giving animals a second chance at life.
Life Beyond the Bridge
Hunting
I am an avid outdoorswoman who has been whitetail and hog hunting since I was 14. I got into waterfowl hunting during college and earned the respect of my fellow hunting classmates by taking "sick days" to hunt the quiet mid-week days after season opener with my dad.
Fishing
I have been fishing my whole life and recently bought a boat to do as much bay fishing as I possibly can. There's nothing quite like being out on the water, whether it's the familiar waters of Galveston Bay or exploring new fishing grounds.
Snowboarding
I got into snowboarding in my mid-twenties and fell in love with the sport. I go several times a year - nothing much beats enjoying the best of what the outdoors has to offer, whether it's powder in the mountains or waves on the coast.
Culinary Adventures
Another hobby of mine is cooking, specifically in the realm of elevating wild game. I enjoy showing people that wild game can be incredibly delicious and more than just poppers and burgers.
Letters of Recommendation
Professional References
Throughout my maritime career, I've had the privilege of working with exceptional leaders and colleagues. Here are letters of recommendation from maritime professionals who can speak to my skills, dedication, and character.
Professional Reference
Maritime Industry Leader
"Exceptional maritime professional with outstanding leadership capabilities and technical expertise..."
Maritime Operations Reference
Senior Maritime Officer
"Karynn demonstrates exceptional seamanship and leadership qualities in challenging maritime environments..."
Maritime Leadership Reference
Industry Professional
"Outstanding professional competence and dedication to maritime excellence..."
Letters open in a new tab. Right-click and "Save as" to download PDF copies for your records.
Chart a Course Together
Ready to Navigate New Opportunities
Whether you're looking to explore new professional horizons or need a steady hand to guide your next project, I'm here to help chart the course forward.
Let's connect and discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.