As a principal environmental advisor with Maritime New Zealand, my work combines a passion for the marine environment and a strong background in the maritime industry including being a qualified captain with extensive coastal and offshore experience. I developed my passion for the marine environment into a strength with academic studies and research as well as targeting experience in marine oil spill response preparedness.My current role combines a diverse range of responsibilities including working with international and domestic maritime and marine protection obligations and regulations, compliance and enforcement, aalong with involvement with oil spill response incident management, training and preparedness. International work includes representing New Zealand at IMO Marine Environment Protection Comittee & Pollution Prevention and Response sub-committee.Concurrent with my PhD studies I: - Worked as a Marine Scientist at Auckland Council - Developed my university level teaching - Ran my own business - Developed a role in maritime oil spill response - Environmental and ecological advisor for marine