Ohana

Tyler is always on the move and ready for an adventure. He is a man of many hobbies and easily relates to others. He grew up fishing, boating, wake-boarding and water-skiing. When he was ten he sailed for the first time and he quickly became hooked. In college, he worked as a wind surfing and scuba instructor. His passion for being on the water followed him to the East Coast where he owned fishing boats and served as a first mate/instructor on several dive boats.

Tyler is an outdoors-man; whether it’s hunting or backpacking in the mountains of North Carolina, where he calls home, cave diving in North Florida or free diving in the Keys. He satisfies his land-based tendencies by hiking around on the islands and finding the best jumping spots to plunge into the ocean. On the water, he enjoys throwing out a line or diving for lobsters in the USVI and in the BVI he enjoys kite boarding. In the water, he is an avid free diver and exceptional at fish identification.

He is no stranger to hospitality. Tyler has years of experience in guest service management and is even a licensed bartender. As your captain, Tyler will make sure you have a fun, safe time on Ohana.

He is dedicated to helping his guests create unique memories. Tyler will work with you to make sure your trip is full of destinations and adventures that fulfill your island vacation bucket list.
He is no stranger to hospitality. Tyler has years of experience in guest service management and is even a licensed bartender. As your captain, Tyler will make sure you have a fun, safe time on Ohana. He is dedicated to helping his guests create unique memories. Tyler will work with you to make sure your trip is full of destinations and adventures that fulfill your island vacation bucket list.

Shawn grew up on the scenic coast of North Carolina, where his passion for the ocean and outdoor adventures began at an early age. Scuba diving, surfing, and sailing quickly became staples of his life, eventually inspiring him to pursue a career as a USCG-certified Captain. His journey in yachting began as a second engineer aboard motor yachts, but he soon found his true calling as a captain on sailing catamarans. With a background in the superyacht industry, Shawn brings a high level of service to his craft, with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service.

While Shawn’s charter captain career has centered in the Caribbean, he has had some remarkable opportunities all over the world.
Shawn has spent time cruising the Rivas province of SW Pacific side of Nicaragua leading boat trips tailored for fishing and surfing. The past several years he has been captaining in Europe and French Polynesia. His chartering experience includes extensive cruising in the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the South Pacific.

Wherever he is in the world, you can notice his passion for being outdoors which allows him to connect his body and mind through water. Catching surf or wind, he is always up for an adventure.

Shawn will make sure your trip on Ohana is full of the best activities and locations to cater to your dream trip to the islands.

Shawn’s Qualifications:

—Yachting—
Master 200 GT Oceans Captain’s License | USCG
Endorsements: STCW II/3, Sailing, Towing
Able Body Seaman (AB), Lifeboatman | USCG
CPR, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Provider | USCG

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Scuba Diving Instructor | NAUI #61521
Professional Surf Guiding: Pacific Coast of Central America

—Hospitality—
Bartending License | American Bartenders' Association
While Wherever his travels take him, Shawn’s charter captain career has centered in passion for the outdoors shines through. Whether catching waves, harnessing the Caribbean, wind, or exploring new shores, he has had some remarkable opportunities all over the worldthrives on adventure and a deep connection to nature.

—Industry Awards + Achievements—
Best Crew In Show 2017 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
Best In Show (Under 50') 2017 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
Wherever he is in the world, you can notice his passion for being outdoors which allows him to connect his body and mind through water. Catching surf or wind, he is always up for an adventure.Shawn's Charter Experience | 120+ Charter weeks

—Wellness—
Interests: Triathlons, IronMan Athlete, Cycling, Trail Running, Deep Sea Fishing

Chef Saunders is a small town girl with big world experience and is excited to bring her knowledge of food and fine dining to your vacation. With a background in catering, resort event planning, cafes and organic eateries, Katie has always had a passion for cooking and entertaining. Her career brought her to the sunny island of St Thomas, where she fell in love with the simple, sweet way of island life. Soon after, the opportunity to cook on the water presented itself and she dove into the world of yachting! As a luxury yacht chef and chief stewardess with eight plus years experience operating luxury yacht charters throughout Caribbean, she will amaze you with her incredible food and warm hospitality.

@katie_paints_the_plate

Katie's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG

—Culinary + Hospitality—
Bronze Level Graduate | White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School
Food Safety and Hygiene Certification, Level Two | White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School, City & Guild Assured

—Industry Awards + Achievements—
First Place, Top Rum Cocktail 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
First Place, Top Dessert 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
Second Place, Top Entree 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
First Place, Top Dessert 2018 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show

—Wellness—
Interests: Running, Hiking

Josh grew up in London, far from the sea, but he always felt a profound connection to the ocean. As a child, he eagerly awaited summer trips to wakeboard and water ski. He spent his spare time exploring the coast, where he fell in love with fishing and snorkeling. Back in London, his passions revolved around football and racing. He was always drawn to skateboarding, but the pull of the water’s edge never left him.

Channeling his love for sports and adventure, Fabian pursued roles as a personal trainer and swimming instructor while studying Geography at the University of Exeter. During his studies, his oceanic passion deepened—he traded skateboarding for surfing and spent his summers working as a kayak and coastal exploration guide.

These experiences cemented Fabian’s lifelong dedication to the water. Before long, he discovered his true calling beneath the waves, becoming a scuba diving instructor. This role has taken him to breathtaking dive sites across the globe, including Egypt's Red Sea, Sri Lanka, the Mediterranean, and Thailand, where he completed his divemaster and instructor certifications. Sharing the awe-inspiring wonders of the ocean with others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey—a passion he’s excited to bring to you.follow him into adulthood.

Josh became a scuba instructor in the hopes that he could explore exotic places. This has led him to have a myriad of jobs all over the
Caribbean. He has worked on some of the most notable liveaboards and worked in partnership with companies like National Geographic.

Josh has also served as a rescue diver, worked as a support diver for environmental studies, learned to be a salvage diver and even mapped/surveyed dive sites. His diving resume is impressive giving him a comfort and ease underwater. Noticeable as he serves as Ohana’s lead dive instructor. Josh also has a knack for engineering which is crucial to his role as the mate.

His journey started on Ohana when he got the rare opportunity to cross the Atlantic and from then he was instantly itching to get back onboard. Josh is here to make sure you also cannot wait to be back onboard too!

Fabian's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG
AEC 1/Approved Engine Course | MCA
AEC 2/Approved Engine Course | MCA
Powerboat Level 2 | Royal Yachting Association
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Security Training | USCG
Swimming Teacher Level 2 | American Swimming Association
Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Level 3

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Dive Instructor | PADI
First Aid + CPR, AED Administration | PADI
Emergency First Responder - PADI
Care for Children | PADI
React Right (CPR, AED, O2, FA) | SSI

Despite growing up in a landlocked province in Canada, Maddy’s passion for aquatic pursuits has always been undeniable. She started scuba diving at age ten and has experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Maddy spent her summers wake surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Recently graduated from university, with five years as a varsity student-athlete, Maddy's competitive spirit makes her always up for a beach game, a hike, or family board game. Her sense of team-work and commitment to the best experience radiates through everything she does. She will ensure each moment aboard Ohana is filled with laughter, relaxation, and joy accompanied by the hydrating drink of your choice!

Maddy has a background in the high-end service industry. She has pursued continuing education which has earned her key knowledge when it comes to pairing your wines, whipping up custom cocktails, and making sure your cravings are catered to. Her creative side and attention to detail shines when it comes to curated party planning, laying beautiful table scapes, and ensuring your space
onboard exceeds your expectations.

Maddy's journey with Ohana began as a guest. She chartered with Tyler three times and spent the entirety of her last charter repeatedly badgering Tyler for a job. So, heed this warning: the beauty of the BVI and the unforgettable experience aboard Ohana will keep you coming back, maybe indefinitely!

Maddy's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG
Pleasure Craft Operator License | Transport Canada

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
CPR/AED Level C | National CPR Foundation
National Lifeguard | Lifesaving Society
Water Safety Instructor | Canadian Red Cross
Dive Master | NAUI
Specialized Training: Swim Instruction

—Culinary + Hospitality—
Food + Wine Level 1 | WSET
Food + Wine Level 2 | WEST
Alberta ProServe Certification | AGLC