Norm’s dad was a longtime fisherman in the Ballard community and Norm followed his heritage to a career as a master mariner. He graduated from California Maritime Academy, went to sea, and traveled the world. When he achieved his Capitan’s rank he decided to become a “Ship Pilot.”

He served as a ship pilot for forty years in three different stations. He spent twenty one years in the Panama Canal Zone, six years in Gray’s Harbor and twelve years in Puget Sound.

At one point he was chosen to be the first merchant marine officer to be trained in Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation at John Hopkins University under the scientist who discovered GPS. He was also granted top secret clearance by the Navy.

He was elected president of the Panama Canal Pilots at the time legislation for the Panama Canal treaty was being formulated. He traveled from Panama to Washington D.C. on many occasions, representing the people who operated the canal and moved the ships. The results of these meetings facilitated the transition of the canal.

He retired from the Puget Sound Pilots in January and now works as a consultant on piloting matters.