As Director of National Historic Ships UK since 2017, my team and I work to offer support and guidance to the custodians of more than 1,300 registered historic vessels around the UK and to raise the profile of maritime heritage through our various projects and activities.Prior to taking the role of Director, I worked as a historical researcher and consultant, specialising in maritime subjects for eighteen years and still maintain my website at: www.researchthepast.com.From 2009, I also worked as Policy & Project Manager for National Historic Ships UK helping to raise the profile of the UK’s maritime heritage by: undertaking case work relating to vessels on the National Registers; seeking protection for the National Historic Fleet; managing the Shipshape Network and associated skills projects; preparing funding bids and providing expert advice to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant-giving bodies as required. For more information, please visit: www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk.