Rick Shema

Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) at WeatherGuy, LLP

Speaker

Rick Shema is a private sector Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and a retired U.S. Navy Commander. He is founder and President of WeatherGuy, LLP. The business provides meteorological and oceanographic services to the international maritime enterprise. His services include climatological studies for strategic planning and near-term forecasts for ongoing operations. Rick is an expert witness providing testimony for domestic and international clients. Over the past 15 years he has conducted investigations into marine accidents in over 100 cases. Prior to WeatherGuy, LLP, Rick served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission after graduating from Penn State University. He served on three warships, qualifying as a Surface Warfare Officer culminating as the meteorologist and oceanographer on an aircraft carrier battle group. Shore assignments include the U.S. Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Centers on Guam and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. At the Pearl Harbor duty station, he served as the Operations Department Head and the Executive Officer. He had oversight for routing ships for Department of Defense assets in the Pacific and Indian Oceans amongst other duties. Rick earned his master’s degree in meteorology and physical oceanography from U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He maintains professional proficiency by active participation in the Association of Certified Meteorologists, attending conferences, and presenting relevant topics he has researched. He has given presentations at CMA 2024, Nautical Institute, and the American Meteorological Society for Extreme Maritime Weather. He has taught marine weather courses and has spoken at U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea Seminars. Rick is a mentor to early career professionals and operates a charitable foundation financially supporting college students with diverse learning abilities. Since childhood, Rick has had a lifetime of experience on pleasure sailing vessels and power boats. He has sailed and raced both inland waterways and blue water ocean. He currently owns a 36 ft sailboat in Hawaii.