Meet Our Elite Captains: Masters of the Water and Safety!

Captain Todd is a USCG certified instructor and 100-ton captain with over 17 years experience working off the US east coast, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean and the Great Lakes. 

Captain Todd pilots many different vessels, including traditionally rigged tall ships, oceanographic research vessels, sailing/power yachts, and steel passenger vessels.

Most of all, Captain Todd enjoys giving them an adventure while ensuring they have a safe and one-of-a-kind experience on the water.   

Captain Rick is a retired international pilot with United Airlines and holds a US Coast Guard 100-ton Licensed Master Captain certification. He is also an Instructor Trainer with the National Safe Boating Council.   

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In South Haven, Michigan, Captain Rick leads our on-water group training classes. In his leisure time, you can find him piloting the Star of Saugatuck Riverboat in Saugatuck, MI, or enjoying activities on his hobby farm.

Captain Ben has over a decade of maritime experience and holds a USCG 100 Ton Master's license. He’s worked aboard yachts, small boats, and ships ranging from 30 ft. recreational boats to 600 ft. commercial vessels in the Great Lakes, Florida, and the Caribbean.

Safety is Capt. Ben’s top priority. As a captain for hire, he combines professionalism with a friendly demeanor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Brady is a USCG Licensed 100 Ton Master Captain and a National Safe Boating Council instructor with over 25 years of experience working in Chicago and the Great Lakes region. Brady also has over a decade of law enforcement experience and is a certified Drone Pilot. When not on the water you can find Brady on the golf course! 

Captain Joseph, a lifelong resident of Chicago's near west side, has been passionate about the water for as long as he can remember.

Captain Joseph began his maritime career in 2010 as a deckhand at Shoreline Sightseeing in Chicago. He quickly advanced with a natural aptitude for everything marine-related, earning his 500-ton Master's License & 2nd Mate unlimited and becoming a National Safe Boating Council Instructor.

Captain Jeff teaches elementary school! A teacher for 25 years, he easily schools passengers how to operate a boat!

Captain Jeff also works as a boat safety trainer for our friends at Freedom Boat Club. Want to go charter fishing in Michigan? Captain Jeff is the best!

Speaking of Michigan, Jeff grew up in Rockford, MI and has lived in Holland, MI, for the last 26 years.

For over 10 years, Captain Deborah has navigated the waters of Lake Michigan, evolving from dockhand to skipper while nurturing a profound commitment to responsible boating. As a USCG Master Captain, a National Safe Boating Council Instructor, and an active member of the esteemed USCG Auxiliary, her dedication to the Great Lakes runs deep.

“I'm not just a Captain; I'm your guide to safe boating, creating a world where learning meets excitement!

Army Veteran William Shehan overcame challenges after sustaining injuries in the line of duty. Traditional therapies offered little relief, but sailing provided a sense of peace and control. This inspired him to found No Salt Sailing, a non-profit that helps other veterans heal through sailing.

William's background is rich with diverse experiences. He is a US Sailing Instructor, a USCG licensed Master Captain,  a Nattional Safe Boating Council Instructor and Shehan Sensei, a published haiku poet. Boat Safe Chicago is proud to have Captain William on their team.

Master Captain Mat offers his skills as an experienced mariner and a National Safe Boating Council Instructor to provide a perfect day on the water. As a former paramedic, law enforcement professional, and towboat operator…Mat shines as an invaluable member of the Boat Safe Chicago team. In addition, Mat’s intimate knowledge of boats allows him to diagnose and repair vessels! He even accidentally sells his favorite boats at boat shows by honestly sharing his knowledge with shoppers…we need to get him a commission!

 Water covers 3/4 of our blue planet, and Arlo believes Chicago has some of the best water in the world! Captain Arlo K. has lived most of his life near the waters of Lake Michigan. Racing sailboats, kayaking the rivers, and salmon fishing are some of the boating activities he enjoys. Introducing clients to the spectacular Chicago skyline via luxury powerboats is his specialty.   

Experiencing Chicago by water is truly an experience that creates lasting memories.

Captain Arlo has traveled the world, including South America, Africa, and Europe. He calls Chicago home because summer in Chicago offers many choices to get outdoors and enjoy life!

Let’s enjoy the water together soon!

Meet Captain Charlie—a sailor, financial planner, motorcycle enthusiast, and lifelong Chicagoan with a passion for adventure. As a 2013 Sea Scout of the Year, Charlie embodies the values of leadership, responsibility, and resourcefulness—essential qualities for any captain. He is also a competitive sailor and coach for the 2024 Olympic women's laser sailboat trials, bringing a competitive edge to everything he does.

With a lifetime of experience navigating Chicago's waterways, Charlie knows these routes like the back of his hand. Whether it's guiding you to hidden gems or navigating through challenging conditions, you can rest assured that you're in secure and comfortable hands. And if you're in Florida, he's ready to travel to captain your best dolphin tour ever!

Danica, a nurse and founding partner of Boat Safe Chicago, spent much of her career tirelessly caring for patients and their families. She attributes her success in connecting captains with students and charter guests to her extensive hospital experience juggling patients and procedures.With a strong interest in vessel and water safety, Dani was integral to Boat Safe Chicago’s success. Her submissions to the Sea Tow Foundation locked in Boat Safe Chicago as the winner of TWO 2023 National Safe Boating Awards. Additionally, Danica has written for Lakeland Boating Magazine and numerous other publications as a freelance writer. Dani is a mother to two teenage daughters and also fosters refugee children. She has a funny cat named Boo Boo Kitty. Since 2020, Danica has been a member of the Freedom Boat Club, which gives her access to brand-new boats worldwide, and she enjoys spending her free time pursuing this hobby.