Luke Kurelja

Luke Kurelja has a diverse work experience in the maritime industry. Luke started their career as a Cadet at Crowley Maritime in 2015, where they gained experience in tankerman operations. In 2017, they joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as an ENS and later progressed to LTJG and LT roles. At the same time, they worked as a Third Mate at Crowley and American Maritime Officers, handling various responsibilities related to ship navigation. In 2019, Luke briefly served as a Captain for Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat. Currently, they hold the position of Third Mate at Ocean Shipholdings Inc., where they have been working since 2022. Luke also has experience as a Second Mate and Chief Mate in their previous roles at American Maritime Officers and Crowley.

Luke Kurelja's education history includes a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which they completed from 2013 to 2017. Prior to that, they attended Bloomsburg Area High School from 2009 to 2013, but no degree or field of study was specified. Apart from their formal education, Luke has obtained several certifications, including Antiterrorism Officer, Small Arms Qualified, Watchstander Advanced, National Chief Mate Unlimited OC or NC, Helicopter Control Officer, Ship's Reaction Force, National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC, Watchstander Basic, National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC, Current Secret Security Clearance, GMDSS Radio Operator, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and VPDSD. These certifications were obtained from various institutions, including Military Sealift Command, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and TSA. Specific dates for some certifications were provided, but the exact dates for Luke's Current Secret Security Clearance, GMDSS Radio Operator certification, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and VPDSD certification were not mentioned.