Meet Our Professional In-Water Boating School Captains

Captain Paul Findlow

Captain Paul has been in boating for over 25 years. His boating began in 1974 with an 18’ “SK” Racing Boat. Very soon after purchasing his first boat, he realized there is far more to boating than just jumping in and going! To gain boating knowledge, he attended a USCG Auxiliary boating course and learned the basic skills of boating.  Purchasing a 21’ Cuddy Cabin as a fishing and pleasure boat, he became experienced in navigating the Barnegat Bay waters and continued to learn all he could about boat handling skills, boating safety, and rules of the road. As his fishing passion grew, he expanded to a 28’ Cabin Cruiser and began to travel the Atlantic Ocean fishing and traveling overnight to the New York/Sandy Hook area. After some years, he left boating. 

Returning to boating in 2006, and still believing in the need for proper knowledge to be safe on the water, he returned to training and obtained his USCG OUVP Captain's License.  Entertaining friends and traveling on the water became his priority and a 55’ Coastal Vessel was the right fit. Later he obtained his USCG  50-Ton Master’s license with his Towing Endorsement and spent his time traveling from Cape May to Toms River. In 2018, travel to further areas of the East Coast became his interest and acquired a 56’ Motor Yacht now traveling from Maryland to Maine. 

Captain Paul currently holds a USCG 100-Ton Master’s License with Towing Endorsement is a Licensed New Jersey Boat Safety Instructor, and has logged over 5,000 Nautical Miles on multiple bodies of water including the Atlantic Ocean, the ICW, Hudson River, Massachusetts Bay, Long Island Sound, Nantucket Sound, Buzzards Bay, Portland Harbor, Bar Harbor, Delaware River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Over his years on the water, he has also operated vessels in the British Virgin Islands, Florida, and on multiple lakes in the United States. 

His passion is to now help boaters of all levels of experience gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be safe and enjoy all that boating has to offer.

Captain Joe Gallinoto

Captain Joe has been boating for over 25 years with a passion for fishing which expanded into all aspects of boating. His early experience on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound allowed him to refine his seamanship skills. During his career in corporate transportation, he had the opportunity to sail on container ships, acquiring commercial offshore and port operations experience.

Following his career in the corporate world, Captain Joe returned to boating full time. He currently works for Sea Tow as a fast-response boat Captain. His commercial work at Sea Tow centers on supporting recreational boaters through a wide range of services, including towing, ungrounding, salvage and recovery, fuel and battery assistance, vessel escorting, and navigational guidance.

At Sea Tow, Captain Joe also participates in joint training exercises with the USCG, as well as search and rescue missions with the USCG and NJ State Police Marine Division. He has received two separate "Above and Beyond" awards from Sea Tow International relating to boater rescue efforts.

Additionally, Captain Joe has made presentations to local organizations on boating safety and enjoys interacting with boaters of all skill levels.

As a boating educator he has logged over 200 hours training students on the water. His focus with The Boating School is to transfer his experience to help boaters improve their skill set and confidence, so they can operate safely and enjoy the various experiences that boating offers.

Captain Joe holds a USCG Master 100 Ton Self Propelled Captain's License and a USCG Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement. He has an in-depth knowledge of Central and South Jersey coastal waters, operating vessels 15 to 56 ft class with twin and single engines.

Captain Jason Smuro

Captain Jay has spent most of his life on the water—he even owned his first boat before he got his first car. With experience operating vessels from 13 to 48 feet, including single, twin, and triple inboard and outboard engines, he’s no stranger to helm work in a wide range of conditions. He holds a USCG 50-ton Master’s License with a towing endorsement and has extensive local knowledge of Sandy Hook Bay, the Hudson River, and the surrounding waters.

Over the past decade, Captain Jay served as a rapid response captain for both Sea Tow North Jersey and Sea Tow Central Jersey, specializing in towing and salvage operations. He’s also an experienced boating safety instructor who’s led numerous classes and presentations.

In addition to his marine credentials, Captain Jay is a recently retired firefighter who still trains firefighting recruits. While on the job, he worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau, helping shape emergency response protocols and water rescue training. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a ski instructor and played a role in developing an adaptive skiing program at Mountain Creek.

When he's off duty, you'll likely find him fishing in Barnegat Bay or floating at Tices Shoal.

Captain Rich Colombo

Captain Richard Colombo has worked full time on the water since 2001 and has held a USCG 100‑Ton Master Captain’s license since 2005. In that same year, he founded a fishing and tourism corporation that operated successfully through 2023.

Most of Captain Rich’s time on the water has been spent running six‑passenger fishing charters aboard a variety of downeast and center‑console vessels throughout lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Raritan Bay. Common inshore catches aboard his vessels have included striped bass, fluke, and giant bluefin tuna. He has also regularly captained larger fishing and dinner vessels up to 100 feet in length.

In addition, Captain Rich has worked as a hired captain on numerous privately owned vessels, conducting both fishing trips and sightseeing cruises. He is highly experienced in navigating and handling vessels of all types and sizes in tight quarters and takes pride in helping others feel confident at the helm while working alongside them.

When not on the water, Captain Rich enjoys spending time with his two sons at both school and sporting activities, as well as maintaining some of the most beautiful coral reef aquariums in New Jersey.

Captain Tom Sheralis

Captain Tom grew up in Union County, New Jersey, but his heart has always belonged to the water. He started boating at just 10 years old, spending every summer on his family’s boat, water skiing from sunrise to sunset with friends throughout the Toms River and Barnegat Bay areas. Those long days on the water shaped him, and he’ll tell you that boating is in his blood.

After earning his captain’s license in 2008, Tom jumped right into a hands‑on career on the water. He spent years helping boaters in Manasquan with towing and breakdowns, then shifted to running a local restaurant’s water taxi, safely shuttling guests back and forth along the waterfront. He also operated the Tuckerton Ferry, giving passengers a chance to enjoy the bay from a new perspective. Later, he joined BoatSafeUS, where he became certified to teach New Jersey boating safety courses and share his knowledge with new boaters.

Across every role, one thing remains constant: Captain Tom’s love for the freedom of being on a boat. He believes boating should be empowering, not intimidating—and he’s passionate about passing his knowledge on to the next generation of boaters.

Today, he brings decades of real‑world experience, patience, and enthusiasm to every lesson. Whether he’s teaching docking, navigation, or safety fundamentals, Captain Tom’s goal is simple: help every student feel confident, capable, and excited to be on the water.

Captain Rich Falcone

Captain Rich Falcone is a lifelong mariner whose passion for boating and fishing has spanned more than 45 years. His journey began at just 12 years old, when he worked as a deckhand on head boats in Belmar, New Jersey—a formative experience that set the course for his future on the water. By 1974, he had earned his 100-ton Master’s License and was reportedly the youngest captain in the state at that time.

From the mid-1970s, Captain Rich built a successful corporate career while continuing to balance his deep love for boating and fishing. In 2010, he retired from the corporate world to fully dedicate himself to life on the water. Today, he owns and operates several vessels, including two fishing boats—the 100-foot Golden Eagle and the Victoria Marie—as well as four custom-built 45-foot Tiki boats designed and built by Captain Rich and his partners. All his vessels are fully inspected and licensed by the United States Coast Guard, reflecting his commitment to safety and professionalism.

Over the course of his career, Captain Rich has trained numerous captains, many of whom now serve on his own boats. He is also a respected educator in the boating and fishing community, frequently leading seminars for private fishing clubs, The Fisherman magazine, and West Marine. His decades of experience, hands-on leadership, and unwavering passion have made him a trusted figure in the maritime world.

Captain Joe Hubbard

Captain Joe Hubbard is a seasoned mariner and New Jersey native whose life has been shaped by the sea. Although he spent his formative years surfing and fishing the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida, his maritime roots run deep in the Northeast. Mentored by his grandfather, Joe mastered navigation and the nuances of fluke and striped bass fishing along the rugged New Jersey coast.

In 1995, Joe returned home to turn his lifelong passion into a profession. As a United States Coast Guard–licensed captain (MMC OUPV), he is known for his unwavering commitment to safety and his deep knowledge of local waters. Whether guiding experienced anglers or welcoming families on their first day at sea, Joe’s calm approach and decades of experience ensure a memorable outing.

Today, Captain Joe owns and operates a 32-foot offshore vessel, offering premier fishing charters and leisure cruises throughout New York Harbor. He also provides professional vessel delivery and relocation services along the East Coast.

With more than 30 years of experience, Captain Joe Hubbard doesn’t just run trips—he helps others gain the confidence and skills to truly enjoy life on the water.

Captain George Scalone

Captain George Scalone has been boating for 40+ years starting at age 18 with a 14 FT Mark Twain 65 horsepower outboard. Throughout George’s time on the water, he transitioned from his Mark Twain to a 26 FT Formula with twin inboards, and in 2007 George purchased a 36 FT Formula PC for his family to experience the joys of being on the water. In addition to his Formula, he owns and operates a 31 FT Jupiter, which led George to pursue his captain’s license.

Captain George operated his own automotive business in Bergen County for 30+ years and after retiring in 2022, he dedicated his time to obtaining his OUPV Master License as well as towing endorsement so that he can share his passion and teach others how to safely navigate and operate boats.

In his down time, you can catch Captain George out on the water fishing for the elusive bluefin tuna. George has experience navigating the Atlantic Ocean through his passion for fishing.

His experience will help all boaters at any level, gain confidence, knowledge, and skills to safely operate their boat, navigate the waters, and enjoy all that boating life has to offer!