Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training has been successfully turning boaters into Captains for the past seven years. We teach a variety of maritime courses in classroom, online, and blended formats, from the USCG-approved Captain’s classes, to public safety and recreational boating classes. Most of our classes are fully accredited, as a result of our unique partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Several funding opportunities are available to qualified students.
We are dedicated to providing a sound learning experience for all our students. Learning is more than reading a book or listening to a lecture. It is being actively involved in the learning process. This can only be done when the instructors apply the discuss-demonstrate-do approach. Students also learn in different ways. To meet everyone’s needs we use auditory, visual, and kinesthetic activities. In other words, students listen, see, and do the activities to provide the best learning experience. Calls from former students are always welcomed.
Meet Our Staff
Capt Gary fishing in the islands
Capt. Gary Kulibert, Founder and Lead Instructor. Captain Gary is the founder of Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training and our lead instructor and course developer. He holds a teaching license from the State of Wisconsin and is an adjunct professor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for the maritime courses. Gary is a former sailing instructor with American Sailing Association and is a trained scuba diver. He lives in Appleton, Wisconsin.
He comes to us with extensive training, education, and experience with both state and federal agencies. His work involved developing training programs, providing assistance in conference planning, and was, and is, a featured speaker at national seminars. He was awarded a Bronze Metal by United States Environmental Protection Agency for his service in developing a CBT based-interactive training program.
Brenda Kulibert, President and Marketing Director. Brenda comes to Explorer’s Guide Maritime Training with an extensive background in management, marketing and health care fields. She is a Registered Respiratory Therapist and RN, with experience in numerous health care venues. She is also an author of four books, former editor and publisher. She is the Marketing Director for Explorer’s Guide, and is the prime contact for student exams. She and Captain Gary have been married for 35 years.
Meet Our Instructors
Capt. Bruce Bishop, Instructor. Captain Bruce holds a BS in Education and a BSBA in Marketing, a 200 Ton Domestic and 500 Ton International Masters Captains’ Licenses, as well as many endorsements. His teaching experience includes 18 years as a grade school teacher, a martial arts instructor, and former chief sailing instructor for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. He is proficient in Survival Craft, Marlinspike Seamanship, is certified as a scuba diver, and YMCA Life Guard. He is the owner-operator of Bella Sailing Cruises in Door County, Wisconsin. Capt. Bruce lives in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Capt. Mike Simon, Instructor. Captain Mike holds an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel License, and is a sailing instructor on Lake Superior in and around the Apostle Islands, Minnesota. He is a frequent guest instructor/speaker for grades K-12 in the Twin Cities. Mike has had a lifetime of boating experience on Minnesota lakes and uses his exemplary communication skills to teach proper seamanship practices to his students.
Capt. Brian Adams, Instructor. Captain Brian holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics, 50 Ton Masters License, Sailing and Towing Endorsements, and is a certified instructor to Bareboat Chartering Standard. Captain Brian was the President and Operations Manager for Performance Yacht Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is an avid sailor, and participates in several regattas including the Mack Race from Chicago to Macinaw Island, Michigan.
Capt. Keith LaBlaine, Instructor. Captain Keith holds an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel License, and is an accomplished professional fishing guide with over 30 years of experience encompassing fishing instruction, guiding, and tournament fishing in Wisconsin. He is the owner and lead fishing guide for Learn to Fish Guide Service in Neenah, Wisconsin.
Capt. Mark Young Instructor. Captain Mark holds an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel License, and is an instructor at Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez, Alaska, where he teaches Marine Oil Spill Response, Train the Trainer Courses, USCG Approved Alaska Marine Safety and Education, Artic Survival Training, USCG Boating Skills and Seamanship. He has a vast amount of experience on the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Gulf Coast of Alaska, as well as fresh water maritime experience.