James R. Parsons

Captain Parsons has been lecturing at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University since 1997 and has been involved in the development and delivery of Oil Tanker, FPSO and MODU training courses and programs for various global clients; lectured in Maritime Economics & Policy, Celestial Navigation, and Cargo Operations to graduating students in the Nautical Science program; developed and instructed in marine simulation for Ballast & Cargo Operations on Oil Rigs and Oil Tankers for various global clients; and acted as Team Leader in the development and administration of Emergency Management Training for the Newfoundland Offshore Industry. Since 2010, Captain Parsons has been the Academic Director for the Master of Maritime Management graduate program at MI and is also program Chair for the Bachelor of Maritime Studies program.

Captain Parsons commenced his professional sea going career in 1983 working on board oil tankers in the Canadian Arctic and subsequently spent time working on seismic vessels in the Beaufort Sea and off the west coast of Greenland. The majority of his deep-sea experience involved global trade with multinational officers and crews. He has sailed on numerous ship types including: Very Large Crude Carriers, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Carriers, Product Carriers, General Cargo, Container, Seismic, Gaff Rigged Schooners, and Cruise ships.

Dr. Parsons holds a Master Mariner Foreign Going license, Diploma of Technology in Nautical Science, Certificate in Vessel Chartering and Brokerage, Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Bachelor’s Degree in Post-Secondary Education, Master’s Degree in Logistics, Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional designations in Marine Insurance and Risk Management, Canadian Risk Manager designation, a PhD in Marine Transportation Economics, and a Masters Certificate in Project Management.

Dr. Parsons is a member of the Executive Council for the Canadian Network of Expertise for Transportation in Arctic Waters, a member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and representative at IMO, and Canada’s civilian expert to NATO’s Transport Group Ocean Shipping. He is also an active volunteer and Chairman for the Foundation of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada.

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