Maritime Expertise

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My goal has always been to develop a wide experience range within the marine industry. I wanted a good level of experience and knowledge in all of the fields that I would be involved in. 

 I was a keen sailor in my youth (and continue to be) and my deep sea captain uncle encouraged that. I studied Naval Architecture at Strathclyde University  in Glasgow and combined my scientific mind with an affinity with the sea and ships. 

Going to sea as an engineer cadet after completing my degree seemed a strange choice but one well supported by my lecturers and mentors at the time. A naval architect who was also a seafarer and marine engineer would be a good package. 

 I loved it at sea and stayed longer than I had planned - 10 years in total. I saw the world, experienced the sobering insignificance of a ship in the middle of the oceans, and I learned all I could of engineering.  

Family brought me ashore as is often the case. It also brought me to the USA and into the superyacht world. Working at a superyacht builder in America showed me the commitment to quality and uncompromising demands of our sector.

A move back to the UK years later allowed me to channel my yachting, engineering and naval architecture skills into regulatory oversight. I was able to use my skills and expertise to influence and drive forward standards at sea and vitally, in the superyacht sector.  I ran the MCA Large Yacht Unit (previously Ensign) for 5 years and oversaw the Large Yacht Code and its implementation. 

After completing my time at the MCA, I moved into the private sector and into another major pillar of marine standards- the marine insurance market. I became the Head of Yachts for ABL - the worlds largest marine consultancy company. At ABL I learned how vital insurers are for maintaining and enforcing standards. I learned how to assess and manage risk and I also learned how to deal with things when it all goes wrong - including the eye-watering costs involved.