Rick Shema
Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)
Retired U.S. Navy Commander

Rick Shema is a private sector Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and a retired U.S. Navy Commander. He is founder and president of WeatherGuy, LLP. The business provides meteorological and oceanographic services to the international maritime enterprise. His services include climatological studies for strategic planning and near-term forecasts for ongoing operations. Rick is also an expert witness providing testimony for domestic and international clients. Over the past 15 years he has conducted over one hundred investigations into marine accidents cases.

Rick professionally maintains all attributes required of a CCM. They include high technical standards, a strict code of ethics, and the ability to communicate concisely and completely to the public and legal professionals. CCMs are vetted through a rigorous qualification process through the American Meteorological Society. Rick was elected to serve a four-year term on the Board of CCMs, whose primary responsibility is to certify other meteorologists.

Prior to WeatherGuy, LLP, Rick served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, receiving his commission after graduating from Penn State University. He served on three warships, qualifying as a Surface Warfare Officer culminating as the meteorologist and oceanographer on an aircraft carrier battle group. Shore assignments included the U.S. Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Centers on Guam and at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. At the Pearl Harbor duty station, he served as the Operations Department head and the Executive Officer. He had oversight for routing ships for Department of Defense assets in the Pacific and Indian Oceans amongst other duties. Rick earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree in meteorology and physical oceanography from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He maintains professional proficiency by active participation in the Association of Certified Meteorologists, attending conferences and presenting relevant topics he has researched.

Some of Rick’s volunteer interests include serving as a mentor to early career professionals. He is also an Associate Director for a local county conservation district and a citizen scientist for local lake observation networks. Rick is also a Master Watershed Steward. He has taught U.S. Sail and Power Squadron meteorology courses to adult mariners, spoken at U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea seminars, and is a Scouts, BSA merit badge counselor for weather and oceanography.

Rick operates the Shema Family Charitable Foundation that financially supports scholarships for college students with diverse learning differences. Since childhood, Rick has had a lifetime of experience on recreational sail and power boats. He has sailed and raced both inland waterways and blue water ocean. He currently owns a 36 ft sailboat in Hawaii. His curriculum vitae is available upon request.