What do you do at NASH Maritime (role, specialism etc)?
I’m a Technical Project Manager with a background in marine electronics engineering. I manage and oversee shore-side Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system deployment overseas and in the UK, as well as design and implement other types of monitoring systems to manage and mitigate maritime risk. A recent example is a novel use of CCTV AI tracking to learn how a stretch of water was used in real-time.
What drew you to this work?
When I started as a service engineer , I started in marine electronics on small yachts and progressed from there to working on super yachts and then on to ship systems (warships, cruise ships, tankers). Basically, if it floats, I’ve probably fixed something on it!
I’ve also worked on oil and gas rigs, as well as working shore side, designing and implementing navigation simulators, VTS and coastal surveillance systems.
While working on ships, you can typically only work when the vessel is alongside, so I was often away from home in the UK and overseas. So, when I had the opportunity to have a more shore-based role, I took it. Although in that role I could still be away for weeks at a time!
Consultancy is very different to “being on the tools”. I find it very satisfying to use my marine systems knowledge to help clients resolve their port management issues.
What’s your favourite thing about the work you do?
In this role, I get to combine my marine systems knowledge with my innate strengths and talents.
For example, as a project manager I get to use my natural people skills, engaging with different suppliers, talking about the systems I design and implement with clients and other project stakeholders.
I have also enjoyed developing project management procedures in the past to upgrade ships’ systems. This interest in process design dovetails neatly with what is expected of me as a client rep.
And, whilst I don’t travel as much as I used to, I enjoy it when I do. I particularly relish meeting and learning from people from different cultures and engineering disciplines.
What work are you currently doing?
I’m working on a couple of projects based in the Middle East.
I am the client representative on a VTS upgrade project in Abu Dhabi. This means I have been on site ensuring the system is delivered to specification (site acceptance testing) and will shortly be signing the site agreement for handover.
The other project which concerns the build and delivery of a new port control tower, I have been involved in for a couple of years.
For this project, I am the technology project manager, having designed the system I am now overseeing the work to deliver it onsite. This means being the technical mediator between system suppliers, the main contractor and the end client, such as reviewing design documentation and processes, site acceptance testing etc.
How does the work you do support NASH Maritime’s vision of a safe, sustainable marine environment?
Around 80% of global trade in goods is carried by sea. This means ports and harbours are one of the busiest areas of sea.
Vessel Traffic Monitoring Systems and other port management software that I help to deliver, provide the tools that assist port operators to manage the complex and complicated environments within their jurisdiction . Making ports safer and more sustainable.
What do you like best about working here at NASH Maritime?
Ed and Jamie have created a great working environment where I feel trusted and respected. Yes, there are deadlines, and of course there is pressure, but there is also a recognition that work is to fit with our lifestyles.
I’ve been micro-managed before, but that doesn’t happen here. There’s flexibility. We’re trusted to get on with the job and deliver in the way that works best for us. So, if I feel I need a walk or it’s my turn to do the school run, it’s understood that the work will get done but it might be outside of the 9-5.
There’s enough structure to keep things under control, but not so much that you feel constrained. It really suits my style of working.
The team too are lovely. Being a small business, you get to know everyone and the directors are accessible and available. It also means you get the opportunity to work on projects that may be a little out of your wheelhouse which means you are constantly learning.
What phrase or word sums up NASH Maritime to you?
Fulfilling my potential whilst working with a team of specialists
