About Captain Lou | Licensed Boat Captain NYC & Long Island

Growing up along the waterfront in Brooklyn, New York, Captain Louis Ponsiglione developed an early connection to life on the water.  Summers spent in Northport, Long Island, deepened that connection, shaping a lifelong familiarity with the region’s coastal waterways. 

With over 25 years of experience, he has built his career navigating the busy and ever-changing waters of New York Harbor, the Hudson River, the East River, and Long Island Sound, as well as the surrounding waters of New Jersey and Connecticut.

He has operated a wide range of boats, from smaller craft such as pontoons and Sea Rays to yachts and high-capacity commercial passenger vessels up to 100 gross tons. His experience spans private charters, sightseeing tours, and dinner cruise vessels, giving him extensive expertise in vessel handling, navigation, and passenger safety.

Throughout his career, he has operated with a range of companies across New York Harbor, Long Island, and the surrounding tri-state waterways, including a decade as a captain with New York Waterway operating high-capacity passenger vessels. He has worked with both large-scale commercial operators and privately owned yachts and smaller boats throughout the region. He currently serves aboard the Staten Island Ferry, maintaining a hands-on role in daily harbor operations.

He is available for hire to operate client-owned vessels or serve as captain for private and commercial vessels throughout the region.

In addition to his maritime background, he brings experience in large-scale operations and high-level safety environments. He has worked as a security supervisor at Yankee Stadium and at major venues including Citi Field and Madison Square Garden, reinforcing his strong sense of coordination, awareness, and professionalism in high-traffic environments.

Captain Louis Ponsiglione holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master License. He is fully insured and certified in CPR and First Aid. He also holds a New York State Security Guard License and F-03/F-04 Fire Guard Certifications.