Meet our mentors

Jeffrey Blum has been involved in shipping and trading since 1972. He is the fourth generation of a shipping and freight forwarding family, a member of the Baltic Exchange since 1976 and worked with a Lloyd's underwriter, a Lloyd’s broker and as a shipbroker, owner, operator, gasoil futures broker, charterer and commodities trader in London and abroad. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) by examination since 1979, he has served on various International Committees and the Committee of the London and South East Branch since 1983, including its Chairman (2005-2007) and Education Officer (2000 to date). A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators since 1997, he has been an arbitrator since 1994 with LMAA, SCMA and ICSAS and an expert witness since 1983. Since 1984 he has been lecturing globally on several subjects of Maritime Studies and Law at universities and colleges (including his own since 2002) including as a Visiting Professor at World and Shanghai Maritime Universities and frequently at bespoke, academic and public conferences and masterclass workshops. A maritime and commodities commercial claims consultant for varied global clients and governments, he is considered a specialist in commercial operations, shipping contracts and claims management.

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Steve trained at sea as navigating officer and ashore with Cunard Cargo Shipping for 10 years, before joining the founding management team that for 20 years, successfully ran O.T. Africa Line, a specialist Africa liner shipping, logistics, and terminal operations company. As the company grew from 12 to 1,200 employees in Europe, Africa and on ships, Steve was involved in recruiting, mentoring and developing staff at all levels. In 2001 he founded CMR, a specialist consultancy focused on the Maritime, Ports, Supply chains and African markets. With his portfolio of 150 marine experts, he provides; business development, risk, and investigation consultancy, and experts for dispute resolution. Also previously recruiting executives for shore-based roles, Steve has been involved in mentoring them through their career change.

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Carole is an experienced Senior Project / Programme Manager with a distinguished career in the maritime industry, higher education and the health service, and a deep commitment to delivering strategic educational improvements based on structured models of reflective practice.

In 2018 she was headhunted to steer a major transformational change programme as Head of Academic Development at Warsash Maritime School at Solent University. The impacts and benefits of Carole’s work at Warsash were felt across the sector and led to an 18-month secondment to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in 2021 to develop a modernised training strategy for the whole of the maritime industry

She is proudest of her ability to inspire productive working relationships; being a confident, articulate leader who injects enthusiasm and energy to motivate teams, drive innovation, harmonise diverse interests and streamline the impact of change. Carole enjoys mentoring people who have entered the maritime industry from different backgrounds and who may feel uncertain about their next steps. Her goal is to see people thrive and gain satisfaction in their career.

I completed Bulgarian Naval Academy in 1994. Became a Captain at 2004 and being in command of bulk carriers, general cargo and container vessels. I hold 3 Master degree. Lloyds and BIMCO diplomas. I moved ashore at 2016 working in Anglo Eastern, Glasgow being promoted to Operations managers in 2018. In 2020 I moved in Anglo Eastern, London office. Since May'22 I work as Vetting Superintendent in RightShip, UK.

Desi also has many years with mentoring seafarers whilst being a captain mentoring crew and officers alike.

After 17 years working both on/offshore within various maritime industries, Kerrie is an industry Consultant and CEO of the Workboat Association - “The trade association for Workboat Owners, Operators, Stakeholders and Professionals.”

Once a workboat vessel Master, he has substantial offshore experience onboard CTVs, Survey Vessels, Dive support and Anchor Handlers. Kerrie spent a number of years managing a fleet of workboats for an International company based in the Netherlands and has gained experience from working across the globe.

Kerrie has a strong background in promoting a well-accepted safety culture, responsible work ethics and cross organisation understanding.  He has designed QHSE documentation, systems/ controls and has led significant incident and accident investigations. Organising and providing training and technical advice to on/offshore workforces, he is an ISM lead auditor, certified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code and has developed and implemented ISO/OHSAS/IMO certification of various company Safety Management Systems.

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Having started my career in the offshore fisheries I completed my Diploma in Maritime Studies and then joined the merchant fleet where I sailed on Product and chemical tankers, Offshore Salvage and Emergency response tugs, Anchor handling tugs and Vertical offshore diamond drill ships. Whilst at sea I sailed in all ranks including that of Master in the offshore sector. During this period, I worked with leading companies and was involved with the world’s largest marine salvages. After 18 years at sea, I came ashore as project lead for a complete safety and quality management system rewrite within a world renown offshore mining company. I am now a marine consultant specialising in incident and accident investigations and wreck removal. I have obtained my MsC in sustainable maritime operations various other professional qualifications thanks to the advice and guidance of great mentors that I myself have had.

I was at sea for nearly 14 years on a range of vessels and after obtaining my Master Mariner CoC I served as Chief Officer. On leaving the sea in 1982 I studied for a BSc (Hons) in Nautical Studies. I then went to work in Dubai as a Marine Surveyor/Consultant in 1984, for a London based company. After 2 years I was promoted to Office Manager and in addition to a wide range of survey work I was also responsible for all management/administrative aspect of the business. In 1990, I returned to the UK to study law and qualified as a Solicitor in 1995.

My legal career was spent in Shipping and Admiralty law, with particular emphasis on ship casualty investigations and dealing with the claims arising from such incidents. I am now retired from law but am actively involved on the Nautical Institute's IMO Committee and the NI London Branch activities. I am also a mentor with another maritime cadet mentoring scheme.

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Although my career started at sea, I have now completed the transition ashore to run my own business based around a YouTube channel where I share interestig parts of the maritime industry with the general public. Throughout that process I have learned that your career doesn't need to follow a direct path. A ship-shore transition can lead to a position in a company within the sector, or it could equally lead to a seafarer launching a business built around a hobby.

I am a firm believer in the transferability of skills, and recognise that the initial drive and motivation required to complete a cadetship is the same as that required to launch a business.

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Captain Simon C Jones AFNI, AFRIN,AVI, Born 1983, Mentor and Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, Accredited Vessel Inspector and Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and Royal Institute of Navigation. Employment: Over 20 years at sea from deck cadet to 2nd officer with Gearbulk and offshore vessels, Chief Officer with Northlink Ferries and Master at Prysmian Group. Areas of specialist knowledge: oil and gas industry, marine assurance & consulting, marine warranty, cable laying, Ro-ro passenger ferries, auditing, ISM lead Auditor and mentoring. I have recently left the sea to start work ashore as a Principal Marine Consultant offering Clients a varied range of services under the Maritime Assurance & Consulting bracket.

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Dr. ROY Kaushik is the Adviser to the world’s 4^th largest shipping registry, a Board Member of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST), the Vice President of the Nautical Institute (NI), Deputy General Manager of Mitsui [LNG], the Chair of the Hong Kong Joint Branch (IMarEST+RINA), the Vice Chair of the Nautical Institute Hong Kong, and a Council Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Marine Technology (HKIMT), IMarEST, and NI. He is a Committee Member of 3 renowned classification societies: the ABS, BV, and LR. He is an LNG safety, operation, joint venture start-up & management expert. Kaushik is a ‘Harvard-educated negotiator & mediator, an expert witness on tankers & gas carriers, has a Doctorate (PhD) in Maritime Management & achieved many executive educations, following his 11 years successful sea career. Kaushik is the first Asian origin Chartered Master Mariner & first in Southeast/ Far East Asia and China. He is one of the founding members of the Nautical Institute Armillary Club. He fetched the world’s first Green Award to the LNG vessel and the operator. He was involved in Argentina, Indonesia, & Japan’s 1st LNG STS operations & commissioning of Tianjin, Dhabol, and Adriatic-LNG terminals. He holds two ‘Charter’ statuses & four ‘Fellow’ statuses; PRI assessor for Chartered Master Mariner (CMMar) and Chartered Marine Technologist (CMarTech). Kaushik is the Govt. Adviser, and mentor to cadets and professionals. He is well known in maritime clusters in the East and West.

Donal undertook a deck cadetship with the Maersk Company, sailing on gas carriers and containerships, before leaving the company in the rank of 2/O. After a brief stint on ferries, he spent 4 years working for Carnival UK, where he attained his Master Mariner’s CoC, followed by a return to ferries before coming ashore. After a period in ship management, Donal completed a Master’s Degree in Maritime Operations, after which he worked as shipbroker. Moving to Hong Kong, Donal took up a position with a law firm as a casualty investigator and advisor to shipping lawyers.

Since then, he has returned to London and developed his career in the legal sphere and now handles cases and advises clients on matters ranging from contractual disputes to large scale casualties, with an international law firm. Donal is a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and an Associate of the Association of Average Adjusters and is in the process of qualifying as a solicitor. 

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A former CEO/Club Manager, Managing Director, Senior Director, Chairman and Master Mariner. My initial career was at sea where I worked through to my Master's certificate followed by a short period as a Marine Superintendent and then more than 30 years in the mutual sector mainly in P&I and FD&D. Towards the end of my career I became the Club Manager of a marine war risks mutual and, amongst several other roles, the Chairman of an insurance management company. I recently retired and presently work, on a very part time basis, as a Consultant, generally in the shipping and marine insurance sectors.

Sanket came ashore in early 2019 after being 10 years at sea onboard Crude oil tankers and LNG carriers with Chevron. He holds a UK Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency and a MBA in Oil and Gas Management from University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India. Sanket specialises in maritime education and training sector, having served in managerial positions ashore before setting up his own company OceanWise, which provides bespoke training solutions to the shipping industry. Sanket is also a certified ISM/ISPS/MLC auditor and has conducted internal audits onboard as well as been a part of various Incident Investigation teams.

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Goal oriented Marine Consultant with 20 years' experience in leadership and management roles in the maritime, business and offshore sectors. Proven success in both B2B and B2C environments. Grew Clyde Training Solutions client base from 0 to 200 over a three-year period. Implemented effective technological solutions.

A confident networker with effectuve relationship skills used with various stakeholders to deliver business success. Positive personal attitude and approachable to all colleagues. Project Management, course/technical writing and SME experience, for training in the Marine/Offshore/Renewable sectors.

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Nicola studied Psychology at the University of Exeter and shortly after in 2008 found herself working within the superyacht world on a 60 metre yacht. Having worked her way up in the industry to Chief Stewardess on the prestigious MY Alfa Nero, she transitioned ashore fully in 2015 to co-run Wilsonhalligan Yacht Recruitment. Nicola still very much enjoys helping excited crew find their first yacht but given her first hand experience moving from ship to shore (and also now having a dedicated shoreside recruitment department at Wilsonhalligan), is on hand to help others make the same exciting life change.

I am a qualified Master Mariner with 16 years’ experience in the maritime industry and hold a BSc in Nautical Science. During my time at sea I sailed on Container Vessels and Anchor Handlers and have survey experience on geared and cape size bulk carriers, LPG vessels, tankers and PCTCs.

I currently lead an international Technical Team for the world’s largest independent marine surveying company where I ensure that our network of 250+ surveyors around the world carry out accurate, consistent and objective inspections ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the condition and risk of their maritime investments and assets. Whilst ashore I have gained qualifications in project manager, ISM lead auditor, ISO 9001, leadership and management. I took the leap from sea to shore in 2018 and know full well how daunting and challenging it can be.

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Having started my career as a Deck Cadet with Denholm Ship Management in 1979. After 8 years at sea I found myself ashore at a time when many British officers were finding themselves surplus to requirements. After a short period working outside the industry, I rejoined Denholm’s, this time in the office in a Ship Manager role. I moved on to another ship manager 3 years later, initially in Glasgow then in Cyprus, where there was a greater commercial aspect to the role. A Fleet Manager’s role then took me to the Isle of Man for 4 years. This was followed by 10 years with a major P&I Club in the claims department but working closely with the underwriters before bringing all my experience together working as the Technical & Operations Director for a couple of ship owners over the last 16 years. I have always mentored colleagues and friends both in their roles and when looking for that next move, what ever it may have been.

Attended Warsash Maritime Academy where I completed a Deck Cadetship, sponsored by Maersk, gaining experience on Container Ships, Tankers, and Offshore Supply. On graduation in 2014, I was assigned to the Container Fleet with Maersk Line as a Third Mate. Worked on a variety of sizes and trade Areas, from Africa to the Far East, and gained my Mates Ticket in 2016. By 2018, I decided I'd had my fill of sea air and enrolled on a BSc(hons) top up course at the University of Plymouth. After graduating, I joined a major London Shipbroker where I worked for just under three years, first on the Operations desk, then as a Broker focusing on short term voyage charters for Product Tankers. At the beginning of 2022, I shifted my focus and joined a Ship Owner, I play a major role in the commercial management for a large fleet of Product Tankers.

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A legally trained shipping professional and master mariner, sailed as master. Seagoing experience on oil tankers, gen. cargo and bulkers. Shore-based experience in commercial marine surveying, technical ship management, ship operations. Holder of GDL from University of Westminster, and LLM in Maritime Law, Distinction, from City University, London. Supporting member of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA). Presently employed by a major dry bulk shipowner-operator based in London.