CAPT Christopher Rabalais
Captain Chris Rabalais currently serves as the Chief of the Office of Design and Engineering Standards. In this role he oversees the development and management of international and federal safety standards governing commercial ships including stability, mechanical and electrical systems, lifesaving equipment and firefighting systems. His duties include the coordination and development of the U.S. Government position at the International Maritime Organization on relevant engineering topics and the development of domestic regulations.
Captain Rabalais started his career at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur Texas where he gained qualifications in commercial ship inspections and post casualty investigations. Following his time in Southeast Texas, he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan at Coast Guard Activities Far East. Here he gained unique experience as a flag state administrator working in some of the largest ports and drydocks in the world. He also served as the Executive Officer of Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles where he ensured unity of effort across the Coast Guard marine safety and response missions throughout southwest Louisiana. His previous staff tours include multiple assignments in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards as well as the Coast Guard’s Personnel Service Center where he managed USCG officer promotion and special board proceedings.
Captain Rabalais earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering technology and a third assistant engineers license from Texas A & M University at Galveston in 2009. In 2016, he was awarded a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle.