About Costa Ludus

About Costa Ludus

Costa Ludus conducts training for the game of life, where the knowledge and skills learned in training may one day translate over to the streets or battlefield, determining life or death. We train others with the understanding that life is bigger than us. We understand the sacrifices that others make on a daily basis for our freedoms – that is why we take training so seriously.

Due to my background, I found it fitting to choose the trident, shield and net to represent Costa Ludus. My family has been in the maritime industry for a very long time. My grandfather served in the Navy during World War 2; after the war, he was employed as a master rigger by Concordia Company, Inc. One of my uncles was a New England fisherman and tug engineer, while another uncle is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Vietnam veteran. My father retired from the U.S. Coast Guard with 20 years of service, and he is now a licensed Captain. I spent 12 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before joining the private sector at Applied Marine Technologies Inc. (AMTI).

Sincerely – Christopher Costa

Chris Costa, President & Director of Training

Prior to founding Costa Ludus in 2011, Chris Costa spent 4 years as the President of Magpul Dynamics. Before founding Magpul Dynamics, Costa spent 7 years in the private sector at Applied Marine Technologies Inc. (AMTI) on assignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Risk Management Division (RMD). At AMTI, Costa specialized in teaching Police Tactical Assault Operations for both Maritime and Critical Infrastructure take-back. Costa also provided Red Team Vulnerability Assessments on critical infrastructures for the US Government. Prior to this, Costa spent 12 years with the United States Coast Guard, conducting counter-drug operations and special missions in Europe, the Middle East, and South America with such units as: the International Training Division (ITD), Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, Plank-Owner of Port Security Unit 302, and the Taclet Law Enforcement Team North.

Kirsten Costa, Chief Executive Officer

Kirsten Costa has a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and a MBA in Human Resources Management. Kirsten is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Graduating with a B.S. degree in Marine Transportation, a USCG Third Mate unlimited tonnage license, and a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard she served 3 years on active duty, serving as a Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer, Deck Watch Officer and Combat Officer onboard the USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) home ported in San Diego, CA followed by a tour at the Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104 in Galveston, TX as a Plank Owner and the Officer-In-Charge of Team 1. Kirsten served 8 additional years as a Merchant Marine Naval Reservist. Prior to founding Costa Ludus, Kirsten worked 8 years in Corporate Quality and Safety Management in the private maritime sector with Maersk Line Limited LLC, Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Overseas Ship Holding Group.