https://oceanexpert.org/expert/RicardoMolares

MSc Coastal and Marine Engineering and Management

Research
Institutional Management
Technical Advice & Consulting

Marine and Coastal Engineering
Physical Oceanography
Policy, Law, Economics, Management
Pollution

I began my professional life on the deck of a survey vessels as physical oceanographer doing the basic data gathering; later on, I alternated the ocean surveys and research as a scientist in the two ocean research institutes of the Colombian navy in the Caribbean and in the Pacific. Then the opportunities drove me to organize from the diplomatic to the technical and scientific, the first Colombian Antarctic research expedition, and lead it as the chief scientist.

Considering my experience working for the Colombian Maritime Authority (run by the Colombian Navy) for 25 years, I had the opportunity to represent the country as the Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization based in London, which was the last role during my professional life in the Colombian Navy. I get retired in the rank of captain a year ago, and begun consulting in oceanography, coastal engineering and ocean and coastal management.

From 2017 to date

During the last years, I have been involved in different projects as an ocean researcher and coastal engineer for private companies.  In the area of ocean, maritime policy making related to climate change, risk and hazards for the environmental authority of the region of Atlantic (in Colombia). 

From July/2015 to December/2016

Colombian embassy in London

Position:     Colombian Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization – United Nations – London.

From January/2013 to July 2015

Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center

Position: Director

Main activity: Research in coastal and ocean sciences. (www.cioh.org.co)

Main achievements:

• Implementation of the Colombian Caribbean Tsunami Warning Center.
• Organization and execution of the first Colombian scientific expedition to Antarctica.
• Chief scientist of the first Colombian scientific expedition to Antarctica
• Project manager for the modernization of the two Colombian Oceanographic survey vessels.
• Modernization of the nautical charts production system of the National Hydrographic Service.
• Sea water quality monitoring program of the main Colombian ports
• Technical leadership and collaboration to the Colombian environmental ministry in the coastal protection program and projects related to coastal zone management.
• Colombian Caribbean Coastal zone management project based on GIS and aerial LIDAR.

 From August/2011 to December/2012

Colombian Naval Academy – Escuela Naval Almirante Padilla (www.escuelanaval.edu.co)

Position: Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography

Main activity: Organization and execution of different academic programs in ocean sciences.

Main achievements: 

National accreditation of the Undergraduate and Master of Science programs in oceanography.

From January/2006 to May/2009

Pacific Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center (www.cccp.org.co)

Position: Director

Main activity: Administration of the center which main research activities are related with the study of el Niño phenomenon, tsunami preparedness, coastal zone management and water quality monitoring.

Main achievements:

• Design, implementation and operation of the National Tsunami Warning Center.
• Implementation of the tsunami contingency and evacuation plan for the Colombian Pacific coast.
• Evacuation drill implementation and execution for Tumaco's population (80.000 inhabitants) in case of tsunami.
• Participation in the organization and execution of the annual el Niño phenomenon survey which included research vessels from Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Colombia.
• Colombian Pacific Coastal zone management project-based GIS and aerial LIDAR.

 From January/2003 – December 2005

Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center (www.cioh.org.co)

Position: Chief of Department of Oceanography

Main activities: Head of research projects involving ocean dynamics and coastal processes.

Main achievements:

• Implementation of a numerical forecast system applied for maritime and naval operations (Oils spill and search and rescue).
• Various environmental impact assessments on water bodies for coastal engineering projects.
• Oil spill response team during spills events (M/V SAETA – 20/04/2005 –Cartagena, Colombia; M/V ALMA ATA – 04/08/2003 – Santa Marta, Colombia).
• Coastal zone management projects based on modelling tools (water quality, coastal erosion, oil spills).
• EPROCA project (Colombian Caribbean Coastal Protection Project).

From January/2000 – December 2002

Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center (www.cioh.org.co)

Position: Chief of Numerical modeling department.

Main activities: Research and application of numerical modeling for sea water quality and hydrodynamics; METOC forecast for the maritime community and the Colombian navy; Leader of research projects in oceanography.

Caribbean Sea
South Pacific Ocean
Southern Ocean

I have recognized the ability to develop detailed strategies, but flexible and realistic, to solve challenges in my personal and professional life. Open to new ideas, always looking for the different way of doing things without risking the original goal.

Conscious of my own limitations, but always looking to fill the gap either asking others or studying by myself. I have realized during my professional life, that during dangerous and complicated situations I know how to behave, calm but fast and safe.

I consider myself a confident person, which allows me team working in intercultural environment and always able for public speaking. Loyal to the goals and responsibilities; friendly and collaborator to my partners, and sensible and fair to my subordinates.

Spanish and English