Starting his career as an engineer apprentice with Shell Tankers UK Ltd in 1966 he eventually worked his way up to the rank of Chief Engineer. During his time at sea he gained experience on Product Tankers, VLCCs, Chemical Tankers, Shuttle Tankers, LNG & LPG Carriers, Ore/Oilers and Bulk Carriers. During his period as Second Engineer he was seconded to the head office and spent over two years as Fleet Safety Instructor. This involved 6 months in the office assisting the Company Safety Officer and then 2 years visiting Company vessels carrying out safety inspections and crew training.
Shortly after promotion to Chief Engineer he again returned to the London office for a two year secondment as Company Safety Officer with responsibility for all aspects of safety management for a fleet of approximately 50 ships. He also oversaw the management of the four Fleet Safety Instructors.
The following two years were spent as an Engineering Superintendent with responsibility for the maintenance of 7 fleet vessels including a small Ro/Ro tanker, product tankers, a bulk carrier and a VLCC.
Returning to sea, he again sailed as Chief Engineer, with the last period being 5 years on Shuttle Tankers serving the production platforms in the North Sea.
In 2000 he moved back to the office into the Ship Quality Assurance Department and set up the structural review team looking at structural aspects of vessels following the loss of the mv Erika.
In 2001 he joined the team carrying out reviews of third party tanker operator’s management systems. The reviews not only compare ISM management systems against recognized standards but also against industry best practices.
Retiring from Shell Trading and Shipping in 2010 he set up Sheiling Marine Ltd with a view to assisting companies to improve their management systems up to the standards required by the Oil Majors.
To date he has carried out almost 200 reviews of over 160 different companies in 33 countries world-wide.