Andrey Gostnikov, Vice President, Ship Operations

In 1981, Andrey graduated from Odessa Marine Academy in Navigation. His first posting was on an icebreaker as deck officer. In July 1992, as Chief Officer, he joined the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. The ship had been modified to become an expedition vessel. It was at that time he began his long association with Quark Expeditions.

From time to time, Andrey took a seaman's holiday, working on different flag cargo vessels around the world. He took part in a unique towing operation, the transfer of a large floating dock from Kamchatka through the Northwest Passage to the Bahamas. At the end of his working holidays, Andrey always rejoined Kapitan Khlebnikov. In 1991, Andrey received the distinction of Honorary Polar Explorer in recognition of a decade of service in the Arctic as a professional mariner.

In 1994, Andrey became a member of our Expedition Team, driving Zodiacs in the Arctic and Antarctic. In 1997, as ship's Master, he captained Quark's Adventure Ship, Professor Multanovskiy in Antarctica. Several times during his career Andrey has acted as Expedition Leader.

In 2001, Andrey joined Quark Expeditions Shore Team as assistant Ship Operations Manager. Three years later he became Manager, Ship Operations. In May 2007, Andrey was appointed Vice President, Ship Operations.

Andrey can drive Zodiacs, steer ships, and man his busy desk. His ambition is to add helicopter pilot to his list of accomplishments. However, he is too busy at the moment to earn his licence.