Taz Lancaster
Nags Head,NC
Summary
Marine and emergency operations executive with 25+ years leading high-risk maritime, offshore, emergency response, and safety-critical operations environments. Former Fire Battalion Chief, Marine Operations Commander, Program Manager, and Research Vessel Captain with extensive operational leadership experience supporting DOE-, NOAA-, NREL-, USCG-, and multi-agency initiatives. Proven track record directing complex marine operations, offshore deployments, vessel readiness programs, emergency response coordination, personnel safety systems, and operational risk management in mission-critical environments. Trusted to oversee expanded citywide operational command responsibilities involving up to 9 fire stations and 80+ personnel during executive coverage assignments. Recognized for developing operational readiness frameworks, leading zero-incident offshore missions, improving safety culture, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders, and managing technical field operations in dynamic maritime environments. Core expertise includes marine operations leadership, QHSE systems, incident command, offshore deployment operations, regulatory compliance, workforce development, vessel operations, emergency management, operational planning, and strategic safety leadership. Holds USCG Master License with Tow Endorsement, OSHA 30, Hazardous Materials Technician certifications. Professional Fire Officer designation, and extensive offshore marine operations experience supporting oceanographic research, marine energy, and technical deployment programs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Vessel Captain & Offshore Marine Operations Lead
East Carolina University – Coastal Studies Institute (CSI)
NC
01.2024 - Current
- Command research vessels supporting offshore oceanography, marine energy, diving, and environmental monitoring operations.
- Lead offshore wave-energy converter deployments, buoy operations, oceanographic instrumentation missions, and federal-partner fieldwork involving DOE, NOAA, NREL, USACE, and academic institutions.
- Coordinate mission planning, operational logistics, interagency communication, and offshore execution support for complex scientific, environmental, and marine technology operations.
- Conduct operational hazard reviews, risk assessments, vessel safety oversight, and marine compliance management for offshore deployments.
- Maintain vessel systems including diesel/outboard propulsion, navigation electronics, marine electrical systems, rigging, and safety equipment.
- Train scientists, students, interns, and field personnel in deck operations, rigging, deployment procedures, marine safety, and offshore operational readiness.
- Ensure compliance with USCG, OSHA, EPA, state environmental, and academic research operational standards.
Program Manager & Offshore Operations Coordinator – Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC)
Coastal Studies Institute (CSI)
NC
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Directed DOE-funded marine energy initiatives including WEC testing, TEAMER facility operations, offshore deployments, environmental compliance, and stakeholder coordination.
- Developed SOPs, risk registers, QHSE frameworks, operational procedures, and technical documentation supporting ISO/IEC 17025 and IEC TS 62600-103 alignment efforts.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary partnerships involving NREL, Sandia National Laboratories, EMEC, UNH, NC Aquarium, DOE, and NCROEP.
- Led vessel operations supporting HERO WEC deployments, Wire Walker missions, offshore mooring systems, and oceanographic instrumentation projects.
- Managed procurement activities, contractor coordination, operational budgets, deployment planning, and offshore field safety programs.
- Led operational coordination between federal agencies, academic institutions, contractors, scientists, vessel crews, and technical stakeholders to ensure safe and successful offshore mission execution.
- Contributed to workforce development initiatives including Marine Technology Society (MTS) Deck Operations microcredential development and DOE/TEAMER deployment training programs.
Fire Battalion Chief & Marine Operations Commander
Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue
Virginia, USA
01.1998 - 01.2024
- Directed emergency operations, personnel safety, and command oversight across multi-station fire, EMS, marine rescue, HazMat, and technical rescue operations within a large combination fire department.
- Provided operational command oversight for up to 9 fire stations and 80+ personnel during citywide executive coverage assignments and major incident operations.
- Led Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) operations involving specialized rescue vessels, maritime emergency response, technical water rescue, and high-risk deployment environments.
- Commanded large-scale emergency incidents including structural fires, hazardous materials releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, marine incidents, mass casualty events, and regional disaster response operations.
- Served in senior safety leadership roles overseeing operational risk management, personnel accountability, hazard mitigation, and incident safety compliance during emergency operations.
- Developed and implemented SOPs, SOGs, operational readiness programs, marine safety procedures, and organizational compliance systems supporting long-term operational effectiveness.
- Conducted incident investigations, operational audits, after-action reviews, hazard assessments, and workforce training initiatives focused on continuous improvement and safety performance.
- Managed vessel acquisitions, marine equipment programs, fleet readiness coordination, repairs, refits, vendor coordination, and long-term operational maintenance planning.
- Awarded Medal of Honor and multiple lifesaving commendations for leadership, operational excellence, and emergency response performance.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL05.2022
Skills
- Marine Navigation & Electronics (Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, AIS, Radar, Sonar)
- Marine Mechanical & Electrical Systems
- Incident Management & QHSE Systems
- Risk Assessment & ISO/QMS Documentation
- Environmental Monitoring Equipment (CTD, Ocean Sensors, Ponar, YSI)
- Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Project Management Systems
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 80 staff members.
Certification
- USCG Master License with Tow Endorsement
- Professional Fire Officer Credential – Center for Public Safety Excellence
- Virginia Chief Officer Academy – Graduate
- OSHA 30
- HazMat Technician
- DAN First Aid / CPR
- Virginia Emergency Medical Technician – Advanced
- NASBLA Boat Operations
- Scientific Safe Boating Association (SSBA) Member
- Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program (2025–2026)
- STCW Training 2026
- Technical Rescue Operations Level Certifications
Timeline
Research Vessel Captain & Offshore Marine Operations Lead
East Carolina University – Coastal Studies Institute (CSI)
01.2024 - Current
Program Manager & Offshore Operations Coordinator – Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC)
Coastal Studies Institute (CSI)
01.2023 - 01.2024
Fire Battalion Chief & Marine Operations Commander
Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue
01.1998 - 01.2024
Master of Public Administration - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 25+ years leading high-risk operational environments across marine, offshore, emergency response, and public safety sectors.
- Extensive experience managing personnel safety, operational readiness, mission execution, and risk mitigation within dynamic and time-sensitive environments.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate stakeholder operations, and maintain safety-focused organizational culture under high operational tempo conditions.
- Trusted operational leader with experience overseeing complex deployments, emergency response coordination, vessel operations, and workforce development initiatives.
- Recognized for calm decision-making, crisis leadership, operational adaptability, and mission-focused execution in challenging maritime and emergency environments.
ADDITIONAL MARINE & TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
- Offshore marine energy deployment support for DOE TEAMER programs.
- Offshore buoy servicing operations including Diamond Shoals Buoy, ACE deployments, and Leidos NDA-supported projects.
- Environmental permitting coordination, protected species compliance, and marine engineering risk mitigation planning.
- Developer and instructor for Marine Technology Society (MTS) Deck Operations workforce development curriculum.
- Instructor and mentor supporting scientific fieldwork, marine safety, offshore deployment operations, and water safety programs.
- CTD system builder and operator supporting oceanographic sampling and environmental monitoring operations.
- Supported marine operations and collaborative field activities involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, NC.
PUBLICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Published author, Marine Technology Society (MTS) Journal.
- Contributor to workforce development initiatives supporting offshore operations and marine energy deployment training.
- Developed Marine Technology Society (MTS) Deck Operations microcredential framework supporting marine workforce readiness.
AWARDS & COMMENDATIONS
Medal of Honor – Fire Rescue, Multiple Lifesaving Awards, Outstanding Leadership & Command Awards, Distinguished Service Commendations