Robert Rivera

Robert Rivera graduated Maine Maritime Academy in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Transportation Operations. He has always had an interest in aviation and in 2024 decided to obtain his FAA Airman Certificate for Unmanned Aerial Systems also known as a part 107 Pilot.

He has over 18 years of experience in the maritime industry working with the largest shipping companies. He has also worked in government ships working hand at hand with various military branches in active war zones. Currently he holds a valid Coast Guard Master License for unlimited tonnage vessels in all oceans. His management and operating experience with ocean navigation, weather, advanced radio communications, risk management, Medical Person in Charge, crew resource management, continuing education simulator training & evaluations, and the experience that comes from years of managing different personalities and styles uniquely positions him to bring a fresh perspective to unmanned aircraft operations.

Robert possesses a vast knowledge base in technology overall such as IT networking systems, he is a classically trained photographer. In his teen years he spent plenty of time in darkrooms developing film with liquid chemistry to create prints. He has seen the evolution of photography from the film days to the current machine learning photography found in today's smart phones.

As an expert in modern maritime navigation systems. He has intimate knowledge and experience with global navigation satellite systems, its use in unmanned aerial systems and the operational impact of "area denial" heavily spoofed and jammed frequency environments.

On his personal time he enjoys cooking with his family, grilling, smoking meats and at the end of the day family movie time and popcorn for all. Family recipe secret: put baby marshmallows on top of the hot popcorn, you will thank me later.