Captain M. J. Hight ’94

Major at MMA: Nautical Science with Business Management Minor
Extracurricular involvement while at MMA: Basketball
Employer: Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilots / Principal, Global HSSE Solutions, Inc.

Where has your career taken you since graduation?

Upon graduation from MMA I immediately began sailing as a third mate with American Maritime Officers. I continued sailing for AMO until achieving my twenty year retirement in 2013. Over the course of the twenty years, I sailed six years as chief mate and eight years as Master on various vessel types. After retiring from active sailing, I formed my own consultancy in the fields of P&I, casualty, compliance, expert witness work, and security. While actively involved in the consultancy I accepted a position as a Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilot, providing pilotage on the American section of the Saint Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and its ports. The shipping season in the Great Lakes runs from approximately April 1 – December 31. During this time I sparingly take on consulting projects as a surveyor or expert witness in various legal cases. In addition to the above, I work as an adjunct instructor of STCW approved courses at Bluewater in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

What is your current title and what are your responsibilities?

Saint Lawrence Seaway Pilot, providing safe and efficient pilotage in District 1 of the Great Lakes. Independent consultant in various maritime related fields.

What piece of advice would you give to a student going into your field?

Be RELENTLESS. Utilize your training and never stop working toward your end goal, whatever that may be.

How did the MMA experience prepare you for both your prior positions and your current career focus?

MMA taught me how to work and not be afraid to work. MMA grads have a solid history and reputation of being knowledgeable and hard workers. Keep this in mind when you enter the workforce, and carry the torch high.

What are your goals for the future?

To continue to work as a pilot, consultant, and instructor. In addition, I’d like to attain a Master’s degree in a maritime related field.