Bjørn (BJ) Aune joined ASU BIOS in 2025 after sailing professionally as a merchant mariner for many years. He grew up aspiring to be an oceanographer after watching TV shows such as “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” and documentaries such as “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau,” as well as reading diverse books on the subject.
Intent on becoming an oceanographer, Bjørn initially attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Marine Geography along with a certificate in Equatorial Physical Oceanography followed by a master’s degree in Geography. During his time at UHM, he had the good fortune to study under and/or receive mentoring from well-respected oceanographers and ocean engineers of the time including Dr. Klaus Wyrtki, Dr. Eric Firing, Dr. Edward D. Stroup, and Dr. John P. Craven. Additionally, he was able to participate in oceanographic expeditions in the Pacific Ocean where he encountered other renowned marine scientists of that era including Dr. Bruce Taft (UW), Dr. Robert Knox (Scripps), Dr. Roger Williams (Scripps), et al. However, fate intervened, and Bjørn changed career directions to study maritime law eventually receiving both a Master of Science degree and a doctorate degree from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) in England.
To finance his education, Bjørn went to sea by taking breaks from his studies to earn funds. He started out in the lowest position aboard ship as Ordinary Seaman and worked his way up via the “hawsepipe” method to eventually attain his limited Master license. Today, Bjørn is a professional seafarer holding a variety of American merchant mariner qualifications including that of Master 3000 GT/1600 GRT Upon Oceans, Master of UFIV 5000 GRT Upon Oceans, Master of Towing Vessels Upon Oceans & Western Rivers and Chief Mate, Unlimited Tonnage Upon Great Lakes & Inland Waters. Also, he is certified as a Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) Unlimited by the UK’s Nautical Institute along with being a NAUI-certified diver.
After receiving his Ph.D. from LSE, Bjørn became the Director of Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA); a position he held for over eight years. During his tenure at SMA, Bjørn oversaw the transformation and rebranding of the institution from a simple community college program to that of an accredited maritime academy, along with the training of a new generation of seafarers for the workboat industry, and rebuilt the academy’s training fleet. Following this stint with academia, Bjørn joined the private sector and resumed sailing continuously as a professional mariner. Over the last two-plus decades, he has held the positions of Second Mate, Chief Mate, and Captain on a variety of ships, including offshore supply vessels, military vessels, and other assorted workboats. Among the well-known American marine transportation companies Bjørn has sailed with are Edison Chouest Offshore, Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Hornbeck Offshore Services, as well as working with the Military Sealift Command.
As Port Captain, Bjørn manages many tasks associated with the safe operation of BIOS’ primary research vessel Atlantic Explorer. His duties and responsibilities include overseeing vessel repair and maintenance, procuring parts and equipment, supervising shipyard overhauls, organizing and implementing safety training for crew and scientists, managing the vessel’s safety management plan, and serving as the vessel’s security officer. Occasionally, as needed, Bjørn will join the ship’s crew in the rotation of either Master or Mate.