Retired Active Duty Coast Guard Commanding Officer Brian Hall has joined Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the nation’s largest independently-owned ocean-going petroleum barge company, as Southern Port Captain / Vetting Manager.  Hall brings with him more than 25 years of experience in marine safety, security and environmental protection.  In his new position, Hall will report to Mike Brady, VP Health, Safety, Security and Environment and be based in Tampa, FL. “Brian is a welcome addition to the Bouchard Transportation team,” said Brady.  “His leadership ability coupled with his vast and hands-on experience makes him an ideal fit to guide Bouchard’s southern fleet and help the company deliver on our promise to provide our customers with safer, faster and more efficient service.” A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering, Hall most recently worked as the Technical Operations Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines where he was responsible for the safety of over 18,000 passengers and 9,000 crew members on a weekly basis.  Prior to that, Hall worked as a Senior Ship Manager for Carnival Cruise Lines and spent four years at Golden Pass LNG Marine Terminal as a Marine Technical Superintendent and Company Security Officer. Brian Hall began his career in the United States Coast Guard and spent 21 years rising through the ranks to Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit in Galveston, TX.  There, Hall led all Captain of the Port, Office in Charge Marine Inspection and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator emergency and daily operations and oversaw hundreds of ship and offshore rig safety inspections.  He retired from the Coast Guard in 2008.