The owner of Wavetop Technology,
Jim Bonnett,
has over thirty years experience in the
marine service field as a marine electrical and corrosion technician and marine mechanic. For the last 25 years as a contractor, doing business as Mobile Systems Service and then as Wavetop Technology. He has been a consultant and as lead technician done marine electrical work, electrical and corrosion inspections, surveys and marine fire investigations.
Experience has included:
Principal Technician - Mobile Systems Services / Wavetop Technology. Contractor providing marine services which include: electrical, mechanical, and corrosion systems design, installation and repair; marine generator and air conditioning installation and general marine related problem analysis and resolution. Primary client from 1984 thru 2005 was Marine Services of Fort Washington, MD. an international marine consulting firm. Services provided included design and installation of boat electrical systems and panels in accordance with ABYC and NFPA 302 standards. Preparing associated drawings and installing electronic equipment; design, installation and repair of dock power systems; conducting marine electrical and corrosion surveys; and overseeing parts inventory and purchasing.
Major projects have included:
- Analysis of corrosion damage of keel cooler installations on high-speed aluminum ferries.
- Development and implementation of procedures for survey and analysis of corrosion damage to stern-drives.
- Redesign and installation of an electrical system for the main engines and generators for a 100 ton hydraulic stern wheeler.
- Design and construction of test equipment for determining the presence of AC fault current on docks, status of electrical power systems and galvanic isolation of boats connected to dock power systems.
- Electrical and electronic system installation on 32 foot patrol boats being built for the Department of Defense.
- Analysis and correction of major corrosion problems associated with previously installed impressed current systems and replacement of faulty bonding systems.
- Repair and replacement of all electrical and hydraulic control systems on a 74 foot vessel.
- Inspection, design and modification of boat electrical systems to bring them into compliance with ABYC and NFPA 302 standard.
- Design and installation of complete new electrical and systems upgrades, including lighting, generators and HVAC, in a 60' wooden Chesapeake Bay "Buy-Boat".
Education and Technical Training:
Associate in Science Degree in Marine Propulsion Technology; vocational certificates in Marine Diesel and Gasoline Engine Technology.Technical courses in the areas of marine electrical systems, corrosion as well as fire and explosion investigation. Manufacturer training in marine electronics, generators, air conditioning and refrigeration systems and engine repair and maintenance. To keep skills current regularly takes part in continuing education courses, workshops and seminars.
Certifications:
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) certified as a "Master Technician" 3/8/07.
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Marine Electrical Technician. One of the first 20 technicians to receive certification. Current certification expires 11/17/10.
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Marine Corrosion Technician. One of the first 25 technicians to receive certification. Certification expires 2/20/09.
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Marine Systems Certification. Certification expires 2/9/12.
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) Affiliate Member 1/2/08.
- National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Advanced Marine Electronics Installer. Certification expires 1/31/10.
- National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Marine Electronics Installer (MEI). Certification expires 11/30/09.
- National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) NACE International Corrosion Technician. Certification expires 6/1/09.
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Type I and II certification and ASE Refrigerant Recovery Certification.
Professional Affiliations:
- American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC),
- National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)
- National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE Int'l)
- National Fire Protection Association. (NFPA)
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
Other Activities:
Jim's interests include figuring out how things work, technical books, current and historic and boats and their systems. In addition he finds time to participate in ABYC and NFPA system standard development activities and to work with the marine systems program at the North Carolina Marine Training and Education Center (NC MARTEC) at Carteret Community College in Morehead City.
The History of Wavetop Technology, Inc.:
Wavetop Technology was originally established in 1990 by Hob, Mac & Jim Bonnett to provide consulting and information related to marine technology to vessel owners. In addition to system consulting, we published the "Marine Computing Directory" and the "On-Board Computing Report."
While Hob and Mac concentrated on computing Jim specialized in marine electrical systems doing business as Mobile Systems Service while continuing to assist Wavetop on major projects. When Hob and Mac retired, Jim closed down Mobile Systems Service and now focuses the activities of Wavetop Technology, Inc. on marine electrical systems and related technical services.
After working out of Alexandria, VA and Fort Washington, MD and traveling to client's vessels that were located from the Lake States to the Caribbean. Jim decided that he would be in a better position to serve clients by relocating to North Carolina. This move was carried out in July of 2006. After relocating WT to New Bern, Jim put Hob and Mac back to work handling the office and support systems activities.