Mike joined Cunard Line as a marine engineer apprentice at the age of 17, eventually reaching the rank of Chief Engineer with service aboard many types of vessel and engine.Qualifications: First Class marine engineer's certificate of competency, Class 1 Hong Kong Local Master’s Certificate, BSc Nautical Studies & MSc degree Shipping and Maritime Studies. Experience has been gained in most areas of shipping with 8 years as a lecturer in Maritime Studies, culminating in 5 years as Senior Lecturer at Warsash College of Maritime Studies, UK and time as a Superintendent with a UK coastal company. Since leaving full time education, Mike has continued to be a visiting lecturer at various establishments and regularly carries out training seminars for various shipping organisations.Twenty five years experience has also been gained in hull, machinery and cargo surveying in the USA, New Zealand, Fiji and South East Asia. Most of this was based in Hong Kong, providing a wide range of marine consultancy and surveying services to P&I Clubs, Shipowners, Shipmanagers, Underwriters, Admiralty Lawyers and other Principals. Mike is also a qualified Mediator, being registered both in the UK and Hong Kong.Mike is a regular contributor of shipping technical articles to various maritime publications, including as a columnist for Baird Maritime. He is currently editor of FLASHLIGHT, the free emailed monthly newsletter distributed to 3,000+ marine surveyors and their clients around the world. Email: mikewallassociates@gmail.comMike has authored eight training modules for MTA diplomas in 'Marine Superintendency', 'Ship Surveying', 'Yacht & Small Craft Surveying' and 'Ship Building and Ship Repair'. He is also author and course director for the Lloyds Maritime Academy distance learning 'Certificate in Marine Warranty Surveying', 'Certificate in Marine Consultancy', 'Certificate in Supercargo Operations' and Diploma in Heavy Lift and Project Cargo Operations'. More recently, Mike has authored seven training modules for the Diploma and certificate courses in Marine Surveying for the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors. A list of books and courses provided can be obtained from mikewallassociates@gmail.com