James “Jim” Dyer grew up on a 5,300 acre wheat farm in North-Central Oregon, of which he is now the majority shareholder. From an early age he was busy operating and repairing a variety of farm equipment including engines and other machinery.

 

Jim graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1992, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marine Engineering. Upon graduation, he was hired by Chevron Shipping to sail as a 3rd Assistant Engineer. He spent the next 10 years advancing his license aboard a variety of Chevron’s steam, diesel, and gas turbine vessels. He was also tasked with a two year, special fleet software and hardware upgrade assignment for Y2K security mitigation.

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When not at sea, Jim attended Oregon State University’s School of Engineering, where he completed coursework in a variety of fields including Ocean, Transportation and Civil Engineering. He also spent time in the wave lab researching subsea landslides and the resulting tsunamis.

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In 2002 Jim left Chevron and began shipping with the Marine Engineer’s Beneficial Association (MEBA). After sailing aboard a variety of vessels, Jim accepted a permanent senior officer position with Matson Navigation. He sailed aboard both the SS Matsonia and SS Lihue as First Assistant and Chief Engineer.

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In 2010 Jim launched an inventory consulting company to assist Chevron shipping with inventory management on their recently acquired double eagle tankers. The primary focus of this venture was ensuring inventory serviceability and accuracy.

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Jim has performed five cruises as an adjunct engineering instructor aboard the T.S. Golden Bear, California Maritime Academy’s medium speed, diesel-powered training ship. During the course of these cruises he supervised and instructed watch standing, maintenance and repair, and several classroom and lab subjects including diesel engine operation and maintenance.

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