About
I have approximately 125,000 miles with most as skipper or instructor including experience in the Caribbean, North and South Atlantic, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Taught on RYA Ocean Theory course during transatlantic crossings. Experienced delivery skipper and captain for both sail and motorboats, including Catamarans.
Competent on a variety of Motor Boat drive systems including twin shaft, twin outdrive, twin jet drive, and Arnesson surface piercing props. I am MCA AEC and am competent with Diesel Engines, 12V and 24V electrics, hydraulics, water makers and generators. I am an expert at developing and implementing systems of work, including maintenance schedules, training, monitoring of standards, and itinerary planning. I am also experienced at budgeting, marketing and developing sales campaigns.
I am a highly experienced tender driver and PWC (Jet Ski) Instructor.
Recommended by the RYA to, and then selected by Skip Novak to teach on board Pelagic Australis (Antarctic Expedition Yacht). This trip was from Punta Arenas, Chile, via the Megallan Straits, and Beagle Sound to Cape Horn, then to the Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, and finally Cape Town.
Designed and developed the new RYA Basic Navigation Course for the RYA, which including outlining the syllabus, writing the accompanying book, and writing the course questions. This was launched at the 2007 Southampton Boat Show by Dame Ellen Macarthur.
I was employed as Principal of Ondeck between March 2007 and September 2009, during which time i oversaw a number of key projects, some of which are outlined in my services page.
Prior to 1999 I worked in the Fire Service for 9 years, with the last two years running the First Aid and Breathing Apparatus Training Departments. This role required me to have the very highest standards of cleanliness, appearance and professionalism, as i was required to set the standard to recruits and other personnel alike.
Between 1995 and 1997, I was the Watch Commander at Evesham Fire Station, responsible for all personnel, budgets, training, and stores ordering, as well as being in charge at operational emergency incidents. This experience has given me a calm head in an emergency, and the ability to solve problems in a logical manner.
Summary
In the last 20 years, I have consistently demonstrated that I have longevity in positions that I undertake, with my shortest role being for 2 years. Although many of these appointments have been to shore based positions, I have maintained a very high level of skill in boat handling and systems, and have kept my knowledge at the cutting edge. Although I am not able to produce a long list of super yachts that I have worked on, I have instead developed a very wide range of skills by skippering or instructing on a variety of vessels, with differing drive systems over the last 10 years, and am confident at undertaking any challenge.
