Michael J. Pluhowski is a seasoned mariner and instructor well-versed in navigational best practices. Michael graduated cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2025, earning special recognition for completing over 100 hours of pro bono service.
During law school, Michael served as a summer law clerk for the Honorable William E. Smith at the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. He also gained valuable experience by interning with a major cargo insurer. He was a two-year member of the Admiralty Moot Court team, competing in the Judge John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition.
A 2013 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Michael worked in the deck department on vessels including car carriers, container ships, tugs, and dredges. Since 2019, he has served as a Navigation, Seamanship, and Ship-handling Instructor at the U.S. Navy’s Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island. He holds a USCG Chief Mate Unlimited license and a Master of 1600-ton license.
Michael is also commissioned as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve’s Strategic Sealift Officer Force. He resides in Bristol, Rhode Island, with his wife, Katherine.
