NEW YORK - Rand Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ:RLOG) (“Rand”) today announced the Company has appointed Captain Paul J. Joaquin and Captain Gerald “Gerry” J. Ray as Vice Presidents of Operations for the U.S. and Canadian fleet, respectively, effectively immediately. Captains Joaquin and Ray will have executive responsibility for the coordination, execution and optimization of vessel operations to fulfill annual operating plan commitments. This includes workforce and resource planning, fleet safety, regulatory and environmental compliance, vessel expense management and driving operating excellence initiatives. “We continue to strengthen our management team with the appointment of Captains Joaquin and Ray to lead day to day operations for our U.S. and Canadian fleets, respectively,” commented Ed Levy, Rand’s President and CEO. “Both Paul and Gerry are seasoned Captains who bring significant operations expertise to their new roles. Both consistently illustrate a collaborative management style and an operating philosophy centered on operational metrics management, which remains a focus for our Company as we pursue operational excellence throughout our organization.” Both Captain Joaquin and Captain Ray joined the Company in 2001. Captain Joaquin is a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, USA, where he received a degree in Marine Technology.  He is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed pilot of all waters west of Cape Vincent. Captain Ray is a graduate of Georgian College in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, where he received a diploma in Marine Navigation Technology, and holds several licenses and certifications specific to the marine industry. “We are pleased that Captain Joaquin and Captain Ray are beginning the next phase of their careers together. Their experience within and dedication to our Company and the marine industry will allow us to better share best practices and further align activities between our U.S. and Canadian fleets. Collaboration will allow us to capitalize on operational efficiencies across both fleets,” said Captain Scott Bravener, President of Grand River Navigation Company and Lower Lakes Towing, Ltd.