Master Mariner STCW II/2 (Oil, Chemical and Passenger Ship endorsements)
Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute
EXCO member of the Society of Master Mariners, South Africa
Mike is a master mariner with extensive experience both at sea and ashore and has recent command experience on Supramax bulk carriers. He has both marine consultancy and surveying and experience from the shoreside positions he has held.
Mike first sailed as a deck officer with Unicorn Lines and served on various vessel types including bulk carriers, breakbulk vessels, product tankers up to 40,000 DWT, and Ro-Ro’s.
Mike gained significant experience as a marine surveyor and marine consultant while working ashore in South Africa. He has dealt with break bulk cargoes, liquid cargoes including bunkers, crude oil and chemicals, as well as cargo lashing and P&I condition surveys. Mike received accreditation as Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Petroleum Services surveyor and has experience supervising ship-to-ship (STS) transfers on VLCC’s.
Mike has received instructions from various P&I Clubs and solicitors and travelled extensively across Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia, where he has undertaken investigations into marine incidents and has provided both written and oral expert testimony to arbitration tribunals. Mike has a particular interest in navigation and his recent command experience combined with his knowledge of ECDIS and electronic ship systems has proved to be invaluable.
In addition, Mike led the establishment of cadet recruitment, career development and mentoring programs at Unicorn Shipping. This combination of experience has given Mike a broad understanding of the influence of the human element on both marine practices and shipping incidents.
Mike is an integral member of Solis Marine’s global team of marine consultants and assists with expanding our footprint as he is based in Southern Africa. He brings his long and diverse experience in the region and will be providing professional services to Solis Marine’s clients in the region.