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Former WKCTC Director Opens 4 Rivers Marine Surveying

Paducah, KY (09/06/2022) — Steve Hearn may be doing something different now but the retired Coast Guardsman with maritime instruction experience, still has fondness for West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Marine Way Training Center in Paducah.

"I still keep track of the training going on down at the center," Hearn, 60, said. "I refer Mariners to them."

After serving 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, earning the title of the service's Silver Ancient Mariner, Hearn retired and joined WKCTC, running the Marine Way Center for seven years.

Not one to sit around doing nothing, Hearn has started a marine surveying business based in Paducah. "The surveying is a continuation of my marine training and experience," Hearn said.

Marine surveying involves a detailed inspection of a vessel to determine its value and seaworthiness. Often such inspections are required by insurance companies. Sometimes a person who is considering purchasing a vessel will ask for an inspection before finalizing a deal. Hearn has inspected a houseboat and a 50-foot cruiser, but he hopes to eventually expand his business into inspecting commercial barges and towboats.

"I was doing it as hobby," Hearn said, "and it came time to turn it into a business."

For more information, contact Hearn at stevenhearn02@gmail.com.

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Steve Hearn

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