Jim “Doc” Ruth
NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor & Salvage Master
Founder, Jim Ruth Marine Consultants LLC
Experience
With over 45 years of hands-on experience in marine surveying, (35 years in the DOD with SUPSALV), salvage operations, and maritime consultancy, Jim “Doc” Ruth is recognized across the industry for his leadership in high-stakes environments. As the founder of Jim Ruth Marine Consultants LLC, he brings precise, actionable insight to every mission.
Jim is a NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor and has served as a Salvage Master on numerous complex operations. His career includes decades with the U.S. Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), where he played a central role in executing some of the Navy’s most challenging wreck removal and recovery missions.
Technical Expertise
A graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Ocean Engineering, Doc pairs deep technical knowledge with field-tested expertise. From commercial vessel inspections to full-scale salvage and float-off operations, his work reflects a commitment to safety, efficiency, and excellence.
He is also one of the principal authors of the U.S. Navy Towing Manual and the U.S. Navy Salvor’s Handbook — critical guides still used across maritime recovery operations today.
A worldwide technical advisor to UK MOD, Egyptian Navy, Chilean Navy, and Philippine Navy — Jim “Doc” Ruth is A global advisor for Heavy Lift, Towing, and Salvage.
A Legacy of Salvage
Doc retired from the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving in 2021 after 35 years of service, where he led some of the Navy’s most complex towing, heavy lift, and salvage operations. As the Navy’s recognized Subject Matter Expert, he is one of the authors of cornerstone resources like the U.S. Navy Towing Manual and the Salvor’s Handbook, setting the standard for excellence across the industry.
Now, as a civilian consultant, Jim “Doc” Ruth brings that same depth of expertise to commercial, governmental, and private-sector clients.
Whether you need tow planning, marine surveying, salvage execution, or heavy lift consultation, Doc is available for immediate hire—offering unmatched insight, global experience, and a reputation built on results.