Career Story: Marine Surveyor
I am now 85 years old, and I grew up in an era and location with limited educational opportunities, meaning I wasn’t able to do A-levels. That challenge shaped my path, and I joined Shell as an officer marine engineer apprentice.
During this time, I learned what it means to live and work closely with others. As an apprentice, I shared a cabin with just one other person, which taught me that you can’t always choose your companions.
Back then, there was no Google to turn to for quick answers and if there was a technical problem, you had to figure it out yourself. That experience taught me self-reliance and gave me the confidence to make decisions and take responsibility. These skills that have stayed with me throughout my life.
Life at sea was demanding, with a seven day a week, four-on, eight-off shift pattern, often in uncomfortable conditions without air conditioning. Timekeeping was critical and tensions could rise quickly if the person relieving you was late! This taught me discipline and interpersonal skills, which are essentials for maintaining harmony in challenging marine environments.
I then joined Bureau Veritas as a marine surveyor, a job that involves inspecting and assessing ships to ensure they are safe, seaworthy, and it was then that my career took on a global dimension. I was moved around frequently to different countries, which required adaptability, patience, and strong communication skills. Breaking down complex technical messages for people who didn’t share my language was a daily challenge and I learned that even a small effort to speak the local language could make a big difference. I later went on to become chief executive of the management services division of Bureau Veritas.
As I progressed through the company, my responsibilities grew rapidly. I served first as group chief executive for Great Britain and Ireland from 1982 to 1988, overseeing substantial growth in business activities. I later became group chief executive for Benelux from 1989 to 1994, helping the organisation achieve consistent year‑on‑year growth.
My career then took me into senior leadership within the wider Bureau Veritas Group, first as vice president and managing director of the industry division, and later as senior vice president. Alongside my executive roles, I contributed to international accreditation, standards development and industry governance.
Throughout my career, self-reliance and adaptability proved invaluable, especially when making decisions in unfamiliar environments with minimal information. These qualities, combined with formal qualifications and government exams, paved the way for me to achieve Chartered Engineer status. I firmly believe that lived experience is as valuable as classroom learning.
My involvement with the IMarEST has been a constant throughout my career, from council membership to networking opportunities. The institute has provided a platform to exchange ideas with peers and competitors, broadening my perspective and reinforcing the importance of collaboration in the marine industry.
