Who we are
Rick Titcomb, Founder
Rick Titcomb developed our standards for quality and customer service.
Before founding Maritime Training Services (MTS) in 1994, Rick earned an MBA from the University of Washington, served in the U.S. Air Force Security Service as an Arab linguist, and worked for Pacific Northern Oil, a marine fuel oil reseller.
For over 15 years Rick travelled throughout the world's shipping capitals, listening to industry concerns. By developing relationships and listening to training experts around the world, Rick successfully integrated their best practices into our products and built MTS into the company it is today.
Gregg Trunnell, Technical Director
Gregg Trunnell personally reviews, critiques, improves and ensures our products are compliant. He brings a wealth of technical expertise, situational awareness and educational strategy, making sure our products are reviewed by the right people with the right subject matter expertise.
Gregg is the director of the Pacific Maritime Institute and a graduate of California Maritime Academy.
He has full certification and has specialized training for Tankers, Containerships, Liquefied Gas Carriers and Towing Vessels. He currently holds a Chief Mate Unlimited License as well as a Master of 1600 (3000 ITC) as well as all STCW certifications. In addition he is a certified Qualified Instructor-United States Coast Guard (USCG) NVIC 6-97, defined by 46 CFR 10.103 and CFR 46 12.01-6
Matt Gasparich, Managing Director
Matt Gasparich leads our sales and marketing efforts, representing MTS at conferences and events, and oversees the daily operations of the company. He communicates customer feedback from training managers around the world, serving as the bridge between our maritime experts, video production team and customers.
Before MTS, Matt worked for King County specializing in transportation policy and public relations.
Phil Davies, Video Producer
Phil is an art director, video editor and cinematographer. His specialties include video subtitle work, DVD menu authoring, cover art and sleeve design.
Before MTS, Phil directed, photographed and edited a variety of news and documentary productions for Seattle’ NBC affiliate, KING 5, winning nine local Emmy Awards.
He is responsible for all aspects of pre- and post-production of video projects of any scale – from thirty second spots to hour long, multi-faceted training programs. Phil also leads the creative process by directing graphic artists and set designers.
Phil is a graduate of the Evergreen State College with a degree in Communication and Media Arts and is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.
Hal Calbom, Creative Director
Hal Calbom is not just a talking head.
Recognized as an outstanding interviewer, program host, on-camera talent, and voice-over narrator, Hal began his career in television broadcast news and public affairs. He worked for King Television, the Seattle NBC affiliate, as a reporter, producer, writer, news anchor and program host, where he won five Emmy Awards for writing and production and the Champion Media Award.
Hal also works as on-camera talent / spokesperson on behalf of Sterling Health Plans and Evergreen Multimedia.
Hal is a graduate of Harvard College, where he majored in Government and was a National Merit Scholar and winner of the Frank Knox Fellowship. He holds an M.A. in English from the University of Exeter, England.
Patrick Gates, Operations Manager
An avid outdoorsman and graduate of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, with a degree in Economics, Patrick manages our accounting, order fulfilment and maritime books product line.
He has certification in the American Red Cross CPR and safety training course, Remote Medical International's EMT course, is qualified as a Medical Person in Charge, and is a private swimming instructor.
Michi Arai, Sales Manager - Japan
Since 2003 Arai-san has represented MTS in Japan and is well-regarded for his experience and knowledge in the industry.
Before MTS, Arai-san was an officer for a K-Line ship and served Ship Agency Business in Yokohama and Tokyo for 28 years as a marine superintendent, general manager of liner/tramper services and shipping representation services for Senwa Shipping Agency.
Rick New, IT / Web Developer
Rick New designed and created our website and has been with MTS for over 5 years.
His custom website admin program allows us to easily and effectively update our website content, ensuring our products and prices are always up to date and relevant. His web-development languages include C#, SQL, Javascript, XHTML and CSS.