Rear Admiral Robert C. North

Rear Admiral Robert C. North retired from active duty with the US Coast Guard on 1 May 2001, having served as Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. During his service he was Captain of the Port of New York (1987-1990) and Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District (1994-1996), and he developed the Qualship 21 port state control initiative. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering from the State University of New York Maritime College (1966).

After retiring he founded North Star Maritime, Inc., specialising in maritime safety, security and environmental protection regulatory compliance, and serves as its President.

He spoke at 29 Mare Forum events between 1999 and 2019, moderating six sessions and chairing the Marine Surveyors & Consultants Summit.