Charlie formed Reliable Maritime Solutions (RMS) after the successful startup of a second cruise line, parlaying thirty years of experience and knowledge into his own company. With an extensive network of qualified and highly experienced individuals, Reliable Maritime Solutions offers a wide range of services, including maritime consulting, expert witness, ship and project management, compliance management, and training. RMS has conducted numerous pre-purchase and valuation surveys on passenger and cargo vessels, assisted with various issues with Maritime Authorities, and provided consulting services to operations of all sizes. As a third-party auditor, Charlie provided in-depth and effective environmental compliance audits worldwide for a high-profile environmental criminal case. These audits identify vulnerabilities onboard the vessels and gaps in the company’s policies and procedures. These efforts were critical in reducing the risk of potential violations and harm to our precious oceans.

After resigning as President of Celebration Cruise Line, Charlie formed Kinnear Maritime Services (KMS). The company was quickly sought after for surveying, consulting, and project management by companies such as Royal Caribbean. KMS also served as a vessel agent and stevedore for the Port of Palm Beach until 2016 and now operates as a Consulting and Expert Witness firm. To date, Charlie has served as an Expert Witness in numerous maritime cases, including Charter mitigation, Jones Act, and passenger injury cases.

Late in 2014, Charlie was invited to take on the role of President again and participate in the startup of the new company “Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line”, now known as “Margaritaville at Sea”. The new line operated one of the largest independent cruise ships on the high seas. The purchase took place on December 2014 and, under Charlie’s expert guidance, was brought into service in less than forty-five days, passing all safety and compliance inspections in record time, including a change of owner, flag, classification society, and an initial U.S. Coast Guard exam. The new line started operations from Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahamas Island in February 2015, exceeding expectations.

Charlie was responsible for creating Celebration Cargo Line and negotiated all services and agency contracts. As General Manager and President of the new line, he managed all U.S. and Bahamian operations. In just 3 years, the newly formed company exceeded all financial expectations and had a growing manifest of cargo to Grand Bahama Island.

Served as President for the newly formed Celebration Cruise Line, responsible for all aspects of management for the shoreside and vessel operations, including Finance, Marketing, Sales, Hotel, Casino, and Marine Operations. Also acted as the direct liaison to U.S. and Bahamian authorities. During the startup operations in Port Everglades, and later when the entire operation moved to the Port of Palm Beach, Charlie played the lead role in negotiating all port and service contracts for the new operation, completing the change of home port in less than forty days. Despite the economic downturn at the time and the challenges of managing an independent cruise line, during Charlie’s tenure, the company thrived, boasting a 95% occupancy, a 5-star rating, and profit margins that exceeded expectations.

After receiving some of the Coast Guard’s highest awards in recognition for dedicated service, Charlie retired from the USCG and took another leadership role as a senior surveyor and instructor with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Passenger Ship Center. He was involved in instructing courses and conducting complex surveys throughout Europe and the U.S. He was responsible for surveying some of the newest and largest ships operating at the time, ensuring compliance and safety of passengers/crew.

2002-06: U.S. Coast Guard Senior Marine Inspector. Charlie’s passion for the Cruise Industry led him to Miami as a lead instructor and inspector for the USCG National Cruise Ships Center of Excellence, where he launched a career that would profoundly influence the industry. Charlie conducted courses for USCG Inspectors, Ship Managers, and Class Surveyors from around the world. He also conducted numerous initial new build inspections on Passenger Ships in European Yards as well as numerous exams on older vessels returning to U.S. service.1998-02: Marine Safety Office New York. After serving in command positions for nine years, Charlie earned a Congressional Commission to Chief Warrant Officer and entered the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Program in New York. As a Senior Marine Inspector, he conducted hundreds of SOLAS inspections on small and large U.S. Passenger Vessels, including vintage wood boats. He was also the Lead Inspector for foreign-flagged Product Tankers, LNG Vessels, Chemical tankers, and some of the largest cruise ships operating in the world at the time. Following the 9/11 attacks, he assisted with organizing and managing USCG units and all vessels entering the New York Area. As the lead MARPOL Inspector, he was directly responsible for criminal Oily Water Separator bypass investigations working closely with the U.S. Attorney, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Customs.

1982-98: U.S. Coast Guard Operational Experience. Charlie’s Coast Guard operational career included twelve years of sea time on three different Cutters. During that time, he served as a Rescue Swimmer, Law Enforcement Boarding Officer, Team Member, Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch (BMOW), Quarter Master of the Watch (QMOW), Officer of the Deck, Executive Petty Officer (XPO) and Officer in Charge (OIC). He also served eight years ashore as a Small Boat Crewman, Coxswain, Training Officer, Boarding Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Petty Officer.1980-82: U.S. Coast Guard Presidential Honor Guard. Upon completing basic training, Charlie was selected to serve in the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington DC, conducting ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, and D.C. area. He was issued a Top-Secret Clearance at age 20 and maintained it for 30 years. During this time, he also participated in the recovery operation during the crash of Flight 90 in the Potomac River.