Ship Management

Captain Rich Austin
A graduate of the California Maritime Academy, Rich is one of only a handful of captains who can claim navigating Tierra del Fuego in both directions. He has fished the furthest corners of the globe while setting catch records others are still trying to match, and he has navigated “Perfect Storm” caliber seas and lived to tell about them.

As captain for American Seafoods, Rich manned 200+ foot vessels and managed crews of more than 130. Despite these heady experiences, the time came when family obligations called for land based employment. That’s when Rich teamed up with his lifelong friend Tom Ellsworth at Ellsworth Marine. The head of Ellsworth Marine’s service arm, Austin Advanced Maritime Services, Inc.,

Rich brings an abundance of knowledge, from safe and proper boat operations, to all mechanical systems. He’s an outstanding sport fisherman who, like Tom, would choose almost nothing over a good day at sea.

As co-founder of the Eastern Pacific Yacht Club, Rich will provide his vast experience in large vessel operation, crew selection and management, voyage planning and sport fishing to create a previously unimaginable experience for its members.

Mike Parnell - Chief Engineer
As the son of a twenty year Coast Guard veteran, Mike grew up in fishing ports such as Kodiak, AK, Newport, OR, Honolulu, HI, Long Beach Island, NJ and Seattle, WA.   His interest in working on boats began in his youth starting with gear work and boat maintenance for long-line and trawling vessels during summer vacations. 

Over the last twenty years Mike has been working on 200-500 ton commercial crabbing and trawling vessel serving as Chief Engineer, Chief Bosun and Captain.  He has gained valuable experience as to the dangers of operating a vessel in the North Pacific and Bering Sea. 

Mike’s interests are reading, surfing, diving and traveling. He is married with a son and daughter.

Drew Deckman - Executive Chef
Chef Drew Deckman hails from Peachtree City, GA, but has been living outside the US since 1995. Completing his degree in Philosophy from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN in 1992, he then embarked on the culinary voyage that would bring him to the Eastern Pacific Yacht Club. 

After a year working in a restaurant in Atlanta, Chef Drew had the opportunity to work in Germany, for what he thought was a 6 month tour—he ended up staying in Europe 10 years!  Drew worked in France and Switzerland for some of the world's best:  In Geneva with Thomas Byrne and Gilles Dupont; In France with the great Paul Bocuse and Jacques Maximin, after which he returned to Germany where in his first year as Executive Chef earned his own Michelin Star near Hamburg. 

Drew spent his last 2 and a half years in Europe as Executive Chef at the Four Seasons in Berlin and was awarded "Rising Star Chef, Berlin” in 2003. From Berlin, Chef Drew had the opportunity to work at the Four Seasons Hualalai in Kona, HI; Maroma Resort y Spa in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, as well as the Raffles l'Ermitage in Beverly Hills and a time as Private Chef for an Entertainer in L.A. Also of note in 2000, Drew had the honor of being a scholarship student at the "School for American Chefs" at Beringer Wine Estates with Madeleine Kamman.

From California, Chef Drew moved (with his wife Pamela, who you'll also find onboard the Pacific Provider in charge of member services) to Cabo San Lucas, MX where they currently make their home. He is well-versed in wines. With a wine cellar of over 600 bottles onboard, Chef Drew promises to present a world class selection of classic and modern wines for member's enjoyment. Chef Drew plans to feature fresh seafood on the Pacific Provider, with Latin American highlights. His goal is to cook according to where the Pacific Provider is on station showcasing Mexican, Costa Rican, and Panamanian cuisine.

When asked about his "onboard" kitchen style he replies, "A simple, modern, world approach to the freshest fish, seafood, and meats available to compliment the already incredible experience of being aboard the Pacific Provider is my goal."

In addition to his abilities as a Chef, Drew is an avid offshore fisherman and skilled diver.  He is a certified PADI Rescue Diver and Nitrox Diver with well over 200 logged dives.  When he is not fishing or diving, Drew enjoys golf, jazz and motorsports.

Jon “Jono” Dodson - Mate
As a native of San Diego, Jono enjoys all water sports, in particular surfing and fishing.  He is an expert inshore and surf fisherman.  Jon has lots of energy and brings a great vibe to the team and work day.

Jon was a crew member of the tournament winning 51' Riviera "Ohana".  His talent as a skilled fabricator in woods and plastics, fiberglass and painting has made him an invaluable part of our team. Jon is an also an excellent artist, a great personnel manager, and committed to what ever task is in front of him. 

Nick Wagner - Assistant Engineer
Nick is a highly skilled fabricator in wood and steel as well as an expert plumber and shipboard systems technician.  He has worked as a professional cabinet maker and geo-tech drilling technician. Nick has served as Deck Hand and Assistant Engineer (with Captain Austin) for American Seafoods onboard the 237' Pacific Explorer and the 287' Northern Hawk, Bering Sea.  Nick has 5 children.