Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Tuggle.
Hi Willie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The main part of my story has already been featured by Bold Journey/Willie Tuggle July 18, 2023. Since then, ( a few months ago ) I’ve been asked to operate a vessel on Lake Guntersville in North Alabama by which the Tennessee River flows. I accepted the job as full time Captain on which will be one of the largest yachts in the state. The vessel is so large that insurance companies require a Licensed USCG Operator or Master. My certifications supersede what is required. I’m presently waiting for the Buyer and the Seller to complete their contractual agreements before I take full responsibility for the vessel. This is a private owned vessel, not a sightseeing / touring . I am glad the opportunity to operate on a private vessel became available. I just didn’t want to operate tour vessels anymore unless I’m helping one of the Captains I know for trip work or an emergency situation. I’ve turn down many Captain jobs . Some of them and the reasons why will be featured in the Book I’m writing with proposals I’ve written for the protection on mankind from Extreme Weather Patterns in the Western Caribbean Sea and more . I could have stayed offshore or in a retirement status . Realizing the area I’m grew up in there is not anyone with my expertises in the maritime industry I came inshore and local. Since no one took the chance on an opportunity I brought to the area I moved on.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Maritime Industry has been great to me. My credentials and talents and training has made room for me at the top. For me there were no struggles. There was some negativity but it’s outside the industry. Some envious / jealous but they cannot stop what Almighty God purposed in my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My accomplishments written in Bold Journey’s prior feature sets me apart . From World History several times, the same for International and Multi-State histories. Im a living Legend. And it’s magazines that are making my story known. I was born in Birmingham, raised in Bessemer, but other cities outside of the State of Alabama are giving me recognition. Not only have I been inducted into a Veteran Museum ( the highest Honor a veteran can receive ) outside Atlanta Ga. I was also featured in “ The Long Blue Line” Fall 2023, page 15. This is the USCG Museum’s magazine. I am a contributor to the museum monthly . I’m proud to be a barrier breaker, a door opener in the Maritime Industry. I come out of retirement for a job I’ve always dreamed of having, the Captain of a Yacht. I’m also a Certified Marine Surveyor whose company received the 1st contract from USDA’s Farm Service Agency to survey oyster harvesting vessels for their condition and value.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have been professionally trained with various skills in the Maritime Industry. 50 years in the industry include USCG and Merchant Mariner . After retiring from the USCG I started in the Mineral & Oil Field in 1980. A lot of study, self training and some good Captains with various companies. The best company that helped me to attain such a high level of skill and safety is Hornbeck Offshore . HOS is the Best. I was employed by HOS twice back in the day and they still offer me employment. I hope they name a vessel after me someday. Today I’m in the luxury recreational area of the maritime industry. I’m set for life . I also have some close friends that are Captains whose licenses are greater than mine who are doing some prestigious things Such as Captain Calvin Gains , Unlimited Master / Laborde Marine and Captain Dale Casey 1600 Ton Master / D-Day Normandy Museum . These guys inspire me to be all I can be in the industry. I also enjoy the beauty of nature on the water and underground and above . These are places I go for meditation and thought processing. They are powerful and peaceful.
