Capt. Tuuli Messer-Bookman brings a remarkable depth of maritime experience to the Flagship Maritime classroom. A 1986 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, she earned a degree in Marine Transportation, a commission as an ensign in the Naval Reserve, and a USCG Unlimited Tonnage 3rd Mate’s license. In 1997, she advanced to Master – Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans, and has logged more than 300,000 miles at sea as a professional ship’s officer.

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After her sea-going career, Capt. Messer-Bookman attended law school and worked on a maritime law journal. Although she chose not to practice law, she has since built a distinguished career as a maritime consultant and expert witness, contributing to more than 100 maritime cases in both state and federal courts.

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Her passion for education led her to the California Maritime Academy, where she taught USCG license preparation and navigation for over two decades. Her instruction covered everything from piloting and celestial navigation to simulator-based bridge watchstanding and training cruise assessments. Capt. Messer-Bookman has authored three maritime books and numerous industry articles. In recognition of her academic career, she retired as a Professor Emerita in 2018. She continues to teach and mentor mariners pursuing Coast Guard licenses at all levels.

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In 2026, she was honored as a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, a prestigious international organization with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations.

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She lives in Gig Harbor, Washington, with her husband Barry and their two bull terriers. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys boating, classic American muscle cars, and volunteering for Bull Terrier Rescue.