Boating Safety Experts

DeVaul “De” Henderson

In partnership with NauticEd, De co-developed the first combined online knowledge and on-the-water practical training program for basic sailing education, which has set a new industry benchmark. NauticEd features an extensive e-learning theory curriculum for sailing knowledge coupled with practical on-the-water skills training programs facilitated via a global network of experienced instructors. To date, NauticEd has provided more than a quarter million sailing courses to students worldwide.

Grant Headifen

Grant Headifen is the Global Director of Education for NauticEd, a state-of-the-art sailing education organization featuring an e-learning theory curriculum for sailing knowledge and a practical on-the-water skills training program through a global network of instructors.

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2) is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries and property damage that occurs on U.S. Waterways by improving the knowledge, skill and abilities of recreational boaters.

Jim Emmons

Jim Emmons is executive director of the non-profit Water Sports Foundation (WSF) and is a long-term recreational boating safety activist and enthusiast. He is serving in his second term on the United States Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council and currently serves as chairman. He also serves on NASBLA’s Paddlesports Committee and the national Sober Skipper Advisory Council.

Brian Goodwin

As the Technical Director at the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), Mr. Goodwin is responsible for the managing the review and publication of over 70 standards. He also ensures the execution of numerous grants awarded to the ABYC Technical Department.

Jack Ellis

Jack Ellis is Managing Director of Info-Link, a Miami, FL-based firm he founded in 1995 to provide market intelligence to clients in the recreational boating industry.

Cindy McCaffery

As the Vice President of Program Development for Sea Tow Services International, Cindy’s responsibilities include coordination of Sea Tow’s training programs, boat shows and events. She and her team manage multiple Sea Tow programs for dealers, manufacturers, retailers and service providers.

Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer III

Captain Joe Frohnhoefer III virtually grew up on a boat. His experience ranges from being one of the first Sea Tow deckhands, to Sea Tow Captain after earning his first captain’s license at the age of 18, to currently holding a 1600 Ton Master, Chief Mate – All Oceans, All Seas license.

Kristin Frohnhoefer

Kristen Frohnhoefer is president of Sea Tow International and is responsible for overseeing all internal operations, including the company’s membership and sales programs, marketing, communications, the Customer Care Center and technology efforts.

Gail R. Kulp

Gail R. Kulp is the Executive Director of national, non-profit organization, Sea Tow Foundation, headquartered in Southold, NY. With over 16 years of non-profit experience, 13 of which are within the boating industry, Gail is well-versed in all things boating safety.

Chris Edmonston

Chris Edmonston is a lifelong boater who brings more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry, with 20+ years specializing in boating safety issues and concerns. Besides his role of president of the BoatU.S. Foundation, he also serves as vice president of government affairs for BoatU.S.

Robin Pope, Ph.D., PA-C, FAWM

Robin Pope has more than three decades experience in boating education. He is an instructor, trainer and educator for the American Canoe Association in whitewater, kayaking and swiftwater rescue. He’s served in numerous ACA leadership roles, including chair of its Safety Education and Instruction Council and, currently, chair of ACA’s Board.

Dean Aucoin II

LT. Dean Aucoin II is a Boating Education Coordinator with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division, a post he has held since August 2005. He serves as Boating Education Coordinator for Louisiana and instructs on multiple platforms and courses, including teaching new trainees in the enforcement division academy.

Doug Leavell

Doug Leavell is Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, Coast Guard District 11 in Alameda, CA, a post he began in January 2020. A 30-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2019.

John Malatak

John Malatak is currently the past rear commander of America’s Boating Club and is a recognized expert on boating safety. He previously served as Chief, Program Operations for the Department of Homeland Security/United States Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division, Washington, DC.

Ethan J. Coble

Ethan Coble is USN Retired and Merchant Mariner Credential as2nd Mate Unlimited. He has enjoyed an extensive, 20-year career with the US Navy in senior enlisted leadership overseeing navigation, shipping, operations, force protection and project management.

Paul Barnard

Paul Barnard is the Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager of US Coast Guard District 8, based in New Orleans, LA. He has 34 years of Coast Guard experience serving as Rescue Boat Coxswain, Federal Law Enforcement Officer, SAR Coordinator, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Program Manager, and Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager.