SAGE DONPINEO
Annapolis
Summary
Marine Industry Professional since 2014 on a wide range of vessels, from 12’ outboard dinghies to 125’ diesel engine schooners. Maritime responsibilities include Captain, mate, deckhand, traditional ship maintenance, Marine/Youth Leadership program leader, customer service, and management. Logged over 10,000 nautical miles of sea time in the Caribbean, North Atlantic, East Caribbean, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Seeking to work in a multi-vessel organization committed to excellence and accountability across all platforms of safety, performance, and education. References available upon request.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deckhand/Steward
Sharp’s Point LLC
03.2025 - 09.2025
- Operated and maintained deck equipment ensuring safety and efficiency during vessel operations.
- Monitored weather conditions, adjusting operations to ensure crew safety and mission success.
- Conducted inspections of safety gear, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards on all voyages.
- Managed inventory of supplies, coordinating with team for timely replenishment before expeditions.
- Developed strong teamwork skills by actively collaborating with fellow crew members in various tasks and emergency situations.
- Performed maintenance tasks such as painting, chipping rust, and greasing equipment to extend the lifespan of onboard assets.
- Communicated clearly, concisely and politely with passengers and crew members.
- Followed safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents.
- Operated winches and other deck machinery proficiently, resulting in efficient completion of tasks.
- Implemented effective communication with team members, ensuring smooth coordination during critical operations.
- Participated in emergency drills, improving overall preparedness for potential hazardous situations.
- Enhanced vessel safety by conducting regular inspections and maintenance of safety equipment.
- Repaired, maintained and cleaned 64 square feet of decking.
- Assisted in navigation and docking procedures, contributing to seamless vessel operations.
- Additional responsibilities involved round-trip vessel transport between Annapolis, MD, and Montauk, NY, as well as trips throughout the Chesapeake Bay.
Sales Associate
Clio’s Books
05.2024 - 03.2025
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline the sales process and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints with patience and understanding, restoring customer confidence.
- Established strong relationships with clients, fostering loyalty through personalized service and support.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business, providing positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
- Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive product knowledge, enabling effective upselling and cross-selling.
Technician Assistance
MYachts
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Responsibilities included vehicle maintenance, shop ordering and distribution, project management, personnel assistance.
- Optimized research outcomes by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
- Assisted in updating and maintaining the knowledge base, facilitating faster issue resolution for both technicians and users.
- Provided hands-on assistance during critical incidents ensuring swift resolution minimizing any operational disruptions.
- Provided comprehensive support for internal departments requiring assistance with item processing tasks, ensuring smooth collaboration between teams.
Assistant Manager
Living Classrooms Foundation
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Assistant Manager, Small Boat Operator, Winter Maintenance for outreach component of non-profit organization serving at-risk high school students.
- Managed and provided maintenance for boat operations in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Worked in winter maintenance (masts, decks, rigging) on schooner, buyboat and skipjack fleet.
- Led team in achieving operational goals, enhancing productivity through effective resource allocation.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication to ensure alignment on project objectives and priorities.
- Mentored junior staff members, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
- Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
Deckhand-Dockhand
S/V Woodwind/Woodwind II
04.2020 - 11.2020
- Deckhand for Annapolis’ premier sailing program on 74’, 32 ton, USCG certified wooden schooners. The Woodwind sailing program includes daily public sails, private charters, overnight trips, 140-mile Schooner Race, outreach and education for the public as well as youth programs.
- Operated and maintained sailing equipment, ensuring optimal performance during charters.
- Collaborated with crew to execute safety drills and emergency procedures effectively.
- Assisted in navigation and anchoring processes, enhancing overall trip efficiency and guest experience.
- Conducted routine inspections of deck areas, identifying maintenance needs to improve safety standards.
- Trained new deckhands on operational procedures, fostering teamwork and skill development within crew.
- Supported guest interactions by providing informative presentations about sailing routes and local attractions.
- Assumed responsibility for checking life-saving appliances routinely; ensured all gear was up-to-date and functioning properly.
- Led docking operations, coordinating with crew to ensure safe and efficient arrivals and departures.
- Handled lines during mooring operations efficiently, securing the vessel safely at designated locations.
- Facilitated smooth operation of deck machinery by performing routine inspections and minor repairs.
- Contributed to successful inspections and audits by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Maintained ship generators and engines in top condition with regular preventive and predictive work.
Captain, Outdoor Educator
Echo Hill Outdoor School
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Captained and maintained EHOS historic fleet of boats: Buyboat, Skipjack and two Deadrises vessels. Captain responsibilities included, but not limited to, safety of participants and vessel, general boat maintenance, anchoring and docking, and deck activity supervision.
- Captained seasonal marine ecology trips on the Chester River. Facilitated multi-day expeditions for groups of students ranging from elementary school age through high school level participants.
- Designed and implemented engaging outdoor education programs for diverse participant groups.
- Developed safety protocols ensuring compliance with industry standards during outdoor activities.
- Mentored junior staff in instructional techniques and participant engagement strategies.
- Led workshops on environmental stewardship, promoting sustainability among participants and community members.
- Collaborated with local organizations to enhance resource availability for educational initiatives.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences that fostered teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Provided constructive feedback to fellow educators through regular peer evaluations aimed at improving instructional quality across the entire team of instructors.
- Tailored instruction to meet individual student needs, fostering an inclusive environment that encouraged participation from learners with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Managed inventory of program supplies and equipment, maintaining optimal working conditions and adhering to strict budgets.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations governing outdoor education programs by participating in regular training sessions provided by relevant authorities or agencies.
- Collaborated with other recreation staff in developing new recreational activities.
- Kept track of allergies and dietary restrictions, verifying correct meals and snacks were given to campers.
Deckhand/Mate
S/V Summer Wind
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Transited the schooner Summer Wind from Baltimore to Key West for winter sailing season.
- Conducted routine inspections of vessel systems, identifying maintenance needs proactively.
- Collaborated with crew to execute emergency drills, reinforcing safety protocols.
- Managed inventory of supplies and equipment, streamlining procurement processes.
- Implemented improvements in deck organization, optimizing workflow during trips.
- Demonstrated adaptability by swiftly learning new procedures or technologies introduced into daily routines on board the vessel.
- Assisted in navigation duties, leading to improved accuracy and reduced travel time for voyages.
- Enhanced safety on deck by consistently following rigorous safety protocols and conducting regular equipment checks.
- Communicated clearly, concisely and politely with passengers and crew members.
- Maintained ship generators and engines in top condition with regular preventive and predictive work.
- Assumed responsibility for checking life-saving appliances routinely; ensured all gear was up-to-date and functioning properly.
- Facilitated smooth operation of deck machinery by performing routine inspections and minor repairs.
Deckhand/Watch Leader
Liberty Fleet
06.2015 - 04.2016
- Responsible for maintenance, sail trim, customer service on Liberty Clipper and Liberty Star for summer season in Boston. Transited the 125’ gaff rigged schooner Liberty Clipper to its winter port in Nassau, Bahamas. Responsibilities for the weeklong charters included deck/rig/engine maintenance, crew watch, education, safety instruction, and customer service.
- Served in leadership capacity for educational program for high school students. Taught deck responsibilities, sail trim, and standing watch to participants in the program.
- Operated and maintained deck equipment, ensuring optimal performance during vessel operations.
- Assisted in navigation and docking procedures, enhancing team efficiency and safety protocols.
- Conducted regular inspections of safety gear and equipment, upholding compliance with maritime regulations.
- Collaborated with senior crew on emergency drills, reinforcing preparedness for various scenarios.
- Assisted with launching and retrieving tenders and other watercrafts.
- Collaborated with officers on bridge watch duties to maintain safe navigation practices throughout voyages.
- Maintained accurate logs of activities on board the vessel, enabling streamlined record-keeping and reporting processes.
- Enhanced passenger satisfaction on cruise ships by providing informative and friendly interactions.
- Performed maintenance tasks such as painting, chipping rust, and greasing equipment to extend the lifespan of onboard assets.
Deckhand/Educator
S/V Soundwaters
07.2014 - 11.2014
- Maintained, transited, provisioned, and crewed on the 3 masted schooner designed for Long Island Sound navigation and non-profit tours.
- Delivered STEM educational programs for students in the spring and fall to students elementary to college age. In the summer, the schooner traveled Long Island Sound, docking at various ports to give day sails.
- Monitored safety protocols and conducted regular safety drills for crew preparedness.
- Provided necessary support during docking maneuvers, contributing to successful berthing at various ports.
- Conducted daily maintenance and cleaning of deck surfaces and equipment, ensuring safe and orderly environment.
- Managed inventory of supplies on board the vessel effectively to ensure adequate resources were available for crew needs.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology, Environmental Studies, Sociology
Guilford College
Greensboro, NC05.2014
Skills
- Safety awareness/practices
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Maintaining equipment
- Deck equipment operation
- First aid training
- Small boat handling
- Watchkeeping experience
- Line handling proficiency
- Painting and varnishing
- Anchoring techniques
- Mooring vessels
- Firefighting capabilities
- Passenger assistance
- Engine room safety
- Attention to detail
Certification
- NASBLA approved in: Maryland
- Certificate Number: MB95E8MG5B9F899
- Award Date: 2016-05-04
Languages
German
Professional Working
Timeline
Deckhand/Steward
Sharp’s Point LLC
03.2025 - 09.2025
Sales Associate
Clio’s Books
05.2024 - 03.2025
Technician Assistance
MYachts
06.2022 - 05.2024
Assistant Manager
Living Classrooms Foundation
04.2021 - 04.2022
Deckhand-Dockhand
S/V Woodwind/Woodwind II
04.2020 - 11.2020
Captain, Outdoor Educator
Echo Hill Outdoor School
03.2018 - 02.2019
Deckhand/Mate
S/V Summer Wind
11.2016 - 04.2017
Deckhand/Watch Leader
Liberty Fleet
06.2015 - 04.2016
Deckhand/Educator
S/V Soundwaters
07.2014 - 11.2014
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology, Environmental Studies, Sociology
Guilford College
Transits/Deliveries
- Long Island, NY- Stuart, FL: November 2021
- Annapolis, MD-Jacksonville, FL: February 2021
- Havre de Grace, MD- Boston, MA: June 2019
- Key West, FL-Antigua: February 2019
- Baltimore, MD-Key West, FL: October-November 2016
- Boston, MA- Nassau, Bahamas: September-November 2015