PROFESSION:
Captain or Ship Master
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
39 years in the Merchant Marine
20 years as Captain
Captain Slead.
My position as Master of the M/V Maunawili is an overseer and representative of the company, Matson Navigation Co.
I am responsible for every aspect of the vessel, crew, cargo, and maritime regulations. I have a management team consisting of eight other officers that make it possible to achieve our goals of maintaining a safe working environment.
PERSONAL EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS:
I hold an Unlimited Master’s License and I have a BS Degree in Nautical Science, a BS degree in Computer Science, and a degree in LNG/
LPG Marine Transportation. I am also a Federal Sea Marshal, Home Land Security.
BEST THING ABOUT BEING A SHIP’S MASTER:
The people you get to work with and make long time friends with is the most positive aspect of my job. I spend half the year on the ocean with many wonderful crew as so I feel very blessed for that.
Matson’s M/V Maunawili.
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A SHIP’S MASTER:
Problems and situations come up on a daily basis. The responsibility is something I enjoy being a part of. The weather has been the most challenging in the past ten years. Avoiding inclement situations and still maintaining a schedule is very challenging.
ADVICE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL INTERESTED IN BEING A SHIP’S MASTER:
Do not pursue this profession unless it is truly in your heart and soul. I have seen many others attempt this line of life, only to be very disappointed and overwhelmed. Most of the time it is a Home Sick thing that gets alot of people.
PERSONAL SEA STORY OR ANECDOTE:
Weather has always been a major factor in our sea lives. In 1986, while sailing as 2nd Mate on the Sealand Defender with Captain Gary Fleeger, we experienced a falling star or meteorite in the North China Sea. While sailing from Korea to Taiwan, the meteorite landed less than a mile from the ship which was way too close for comfort. This happened just before 0100 hours and the Captain heard the noise from the meteorite. This has been the most unusual event in my sea experience. Even National Geographic questioned us about this event. We had a Cyclonic Storm in Kaohsiung, Taiwan that was also unexplainable.
Copyright © 2017 Captain Steven Slead
UPDATE: Captain Slead retired in 2022 after 44 years at sea.
If you are interested in submitting a profile to Maritime Hawai‘i, please contact us.
I sure enjoyed my trip with you and Jeff. That was my 75th birtday present from Jeff. That was 10 years ago. Cherish the memories.
Not only is Steve Slead a fine, long time csptain, he is a fast and true friend who can be depended upon in fair weather or in foul.
Hi Steve this is Elsa from Desert Hot Springs, Ca.
Just wanting to say “Hello”!!
760-329-2177- C) 760-507-7167
Hello kepano