I recommenced my sea-going career when I joined the Far Swan in December 2010 as First Engineer. Since that time, I have also sailed as Chief Engineer. I have also taken part in Values and leadership development workshops and have undertaken training in confined space entry, working at heights, marine resource management, KPOS DP system maintenance and anchor handling operations.

In February 2006 I began training to be a transport safety investigator at the ATSB by undertaking training courses and by leading or participating in an investigation team for several investigations. During this initial period, I completed the requirements for a Diploma of Transport Safety Investigation. At ATSB, I took part in 24 on-site investigations covering a wide range of occurrences from engine failures and engine room fires, to collisions and fatalities. Of these investigations, I was the investigator in charge (IIC) for 14. I also successfully filled the position of Acting Team Leader – Marine on three occasions; undertaking all of the tasks required for that management role.

When the management of MV Goliath transferred to Cementco Shipping in February 2005, I went with the ship and was promoted to Chief Engineer. As Chief Engineer, I was responsible for planning all maintenance on board the ship. I also undertook investigations into equipment failures and safety incidents on board the ship.

After being with CSR Shipping as a Junior Engineer, I was promoted to First Engineer on board MV Goliath, a specialised cement carrier. As First Engineer, I was responsible for the day-to-day running of the engine room. I planned and implemented all maintenance activities with a view to safety and productivity. I was also a member of the shipboard management committee. I held this position for the two years and was involved in major repair and dry-docking work.

I was employed as a casual lecturer in Marine Engineering. In addition to classroom teaching, I also conducted practical training sessions, developed course material and organised courses. I also sailed aboard the AMC training vessels as relieving First Engineer during this period. During this time I qualified for a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

After leaving Southern Marine Shiplift, I was employed as a marine engineer. During this time I worked on two vessels as either Chief or Second Engineer. As part of this work, I oversaw the refit of one of these vessels during its last dry-docking including job cost analysis and worker supervision.

During this period I worked as a casual contract surveyor for Marine and Safety Tasmania, the state regulatory body for the marine industry. This required me to conduct machinery and equipment inspections and audits. The major emphasis of this survey work is safety. I also undertook inspections of new vessels being constructed to ensure that they were being built according to national guidelines and requirements.

I was employed in this position in a new company and it allowed me to broaden my management experience. My role included all facets of day-to-day operations, marketing, job costing, budgeting, administration, marketing and technical management. I negotiated with all of our customers and organised work to meet their requirements. I promoted a safe working environment and dealt with all safety, training and employee issues. During my time at this shipyard, I was responsible for all project planning. In addition, I took overall responsibility for the management of all work undertaken by the company.

After serving at sea for nearly three years as a marine engineer with CSR, I was appointed as Safety and Quality Superintendent - Shipping. My main duty was the development and implementation of a Safety Management System to satisfy the requirements of the ISM Code. This allowed me to apply my knowledge of shipboard operations and safety management. As part of the system implementation, I conducted safety and induction training for all ships' crews. Another significant part of this position was in managing all aspects of fleet safety. In this position, I was the Designated Person Ashore as specified in the ISM Code.

After three years of working from an employment roster for various companies as a marine engineer, I was engaged by CSR Shipping and served on all three of the company's ships during this period.

After completing my Certificate of Competency, I worked as a marine engineer with various shipping companies. During this period I developed my technical and communication skills and gained more advanced engineering qualifications.