— USCG LICENSED MASTER · GREAT LAKES
Increasing your
confidence,
safety & enjoyment
on the water.
Professional captain coaching, vessel deliveries, and expert guidance — from Lake Erie to Lake Huron. Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, let's get you there confidently.
36
YEARS ON THE WATER
100GT
USCG MASTER
Great Lakes
OPERATIONAL AREA
— USCG LICENSED MASTER · GREAT LAKES
Increasing your
confidence,
safety & enjoyment
on the water.
Professional captain coaching, vessel deliveries, and expert guidance — from Lake Erie to Lake Huron. Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, let's get you there confidently.
36
YEARS ON THE WATER
100GT
USCG MASTER
Great Lakes
OPERATIONAL AREA
USCG Master 100 GT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
Commercial Towing
Both Endorsements
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
USCG Master 100 GT
GREAT LAKES & INLAND WATERS
Commercial Towing
Both Endorsements
B.S. Mechanical Eng.
U of M Dearborn
Commodore
Ford Yacht Club · 2004–2006
— ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Raised on these waters.
Licensed to prove it.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. Thirty-six years in the automotive and marine supply industry — thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do.
I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron — the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River — with my eyes closed. And I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help.
Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
— ABOUT CAPTAIN TOM
Raised on these waters.
Licensed to prove it.
I grew up on the water. Six years working in a marina before I had a real job title. Thirty-six years in the automotive and marine supply industry — thinking like a mechanical engineer about why boats behave the way they do.
I've run every mile of water from Lake Erie to Lake Huron — the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River — with my eyes closed. And I've spent years coaching fellow boaters who were too proud to ask for help.
Whether you're on a 20-foot pontoon or a 65-foot sportfish, it's just me, your boat, your waters, until you're completely confident.
Tom Ketelhut
Owner, Offshore Captain Services
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drift into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drift into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
"Nobody likes the guy who drops the hook and drift into the next boat. We teach you how to not be that guy."
— CAPTAIN TOM KETELHUT
— WHAT I DO
From the 20-foot pontoon to the 65-foot sportfish.
Every service tailored to your vessel, your waters, your goals. Pricing always upon request — I'd rather talk through what you actually need.
01
Captain's Coaching
Five structured modules on your boat, in your waters. From docking to maintaining a captain's log.
02
First Mate Coaching
The only dedicated program for the person beside the captain. Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, emergency protocols.
03
Vessel Deliveries
Over-the-water delivery between any two ports. Fully insured, fully documented, professionally handled.
05
Spring & Fall Support
Launch and haul-out assistance. How you put a boat away determines how it comes back.
04
Seasonal Relocations
Summer home to winter home and back. I handle the transit so you don't have to.
06
Consulting
Boat purchases, trip planning, or whatever you need. If you're not sure what to call it, just reach out.
— WHAT I DO
From the 20-foot pontoon to the 65-foot sportfish.
Every service tailored to your vessel, your waters, your goals. Pricing always upon request — I'd rather talk through what you actually need.
01
Captain's Coaching
Five structured modules on your boat, in your waters. From docking to maintaining a captain's log.
02
First Mate Coaching
The only dedicated program for the person beside the captain. Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, emergency protocols.
03
Vessel Deliveries
Over-the-water delivery between any two ports. Fully insured, fully documented, professionally handled.
05
Spring & Fall Support
Launch and haul-out assistance. How you put a boat away determines how it comes back.
04
Seasonal Relocations
Summer home to winter home and back. I handle the transit so you don't have to.
06
Consulting
Boat purchases, trip planning, or whatever you need. If you're not sure what to call it, just reach out.
— CAPTAIN'S COACHING PROGRAM
Five modules.
Your boat. Your waters.
01
Docking & Departure
Engine room checks, dock line order, spring lines, floating vs. fixed docks, close-quarters handling.
02
Running Your Boat
Channel markers, trim tabs, right of way, VHF radio etiquette, man overboard drill.
03
Anchoring
Scope, setting and weighing the hook, anchor lights, bridle use, first mate communication.
04
Trip Planning
Weather apps, distance planning, ports of call, marina reservations.
05
Captain's Log
Maintenance records, fuel burn, travel logs, marina notes — protects your investment.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do when the captain can't. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
— CAPTAIN'S COACHING PROGRAM
Five modules.
Your boat. Your waters.
01
Docking & Departure
Engine room checks, dock line order, spring lines, floating vs. fixed docks, close-quarters handling.
02
Running Your Boat
Channel markers, trim tabs, right of way, VHF radio etiquette, man overboard drill.
03
Anchoring
Scope, setting and weighing the hook, anchor lights, bridle use, first mate communication.
04
Trip Planning
Weather apps, distance planning, ports of call, marina reservations.
05
Captain's Log
Maintenance records, fuel burn, travel logs, marina notes — protects your investment.
EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM
The First Mate Coaching Package
Deck leadership, dock lines, VHF radio, trip planning, and what to do when the captain can't. The only program of its kind on the Great Lakes.
— TESTIMONIALS
What they said
after.
"Tom is one of the first people I turn to when I need help. His leadership, organizational skills, and years of hands-on experience are qualities that only a few truly possess."
Tom MacDonald
Retired, Ford Motor Company · Former FYC Chairman
"Along with a personality geared towards being driven for success, Tom is a unique individual who provides both hands-on leadership and the inspiration to accomplish anything in front of him."
Jason Schmitt
Pre-Construction Manager, KBR Inc.
"Working with Tom was always a well-organized and professional experience. His support and dedication was the key to our success. I wish there were more like Tom in our line of work."
Dennis MacDonald
President & CEO, D Mac Industries
—TESTIMONIALS
What they said
after.
"Tom is one of the first people I turn to when I need help. His leadership, organizational skills, and years of hands-on experience are qualities that only a few truly possess."
Tom MacDonald
Retired, Ford Motor Company · Former FYC Chairman
"Along with a personality geared towards being driven for success, Tom is a unique individual who provides both hands-on leadership and the inspiration to accomplish anything in front of him."
Jason Schmitt
Pre-Construction Manager, KBR Inc.
"Working with Tom was always a well-organized and professional experience. His support and dedication was the key to our success. I wish there were more like Tom in our line of work."
Dennis MacDonald
President & CEO, D Mac Industries
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at 248.497.5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at 248.497.5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let's talk about your boat.
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell me about your vessel, your waters, and what you're working toward.
Or give me a call at 248.497.5791. If I'm on the water, I'll call you back same day.
©️ 2026 Offshore Captain Services LLC · All rights reserved
USCG Mariner Reference #2913289