Captain
Jack H. Smith Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Texas A&M University – Class of 1966
Unlimited Master’s License of Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons upon Oceans
First Class Pilot of Vessels of Any Gross Tons upon the Houston Ship Channel from the Galveston Sea Buoy to Galveston, Texas including Bolivar Roads and Texas City Channel
Graduated with the first class from Texas Maritime Academy in 1966 with an Unlimited Third Mate’s License. Began sailing as a Third Mate with Lykes Brothers Steam Ship Company the day after graduation. Continued sea-going career with Lykes, raising his license from Third Mate to Master. Came ashore in 1970 as a Port Captain assigned to Todd Shipyard for ship lengthening and containerization projects. Selected as a Deputy Pilot by the Galveston – Texas City Pilots in April of 1971. Piloted 10,025 ships of up to 250,000 tons into the Ports of Galveston and Texas City during 31 years of service. Served on many Port and USCG Safety Committees during career. Awarded Certificate of Merit by the United States Coast Guard for services rendered. Supervised the design and building of the Galveston – Texas City Pilot Station. Retired from piloting in September 2002. Began teaching at Texas A&M University at Galveston in September 2003. Served on Dickinson City Council from 1991 to 1994. Member of the Texas Pilots’ Association, American Pilots’ Association, Propeller Club, and the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union. Married to Jere Cyrus for 38 years, with three children and one grandchild.