SNAME Blog

At what point in your career did you join SNAME?
I joined in July 1974 while employed by Deep Oil Technology (DOT) in Long Beach, California. At that time, we engaged in advancing the concept of both Tension Leg Platform (TLP) technology and subsea production, all geared toward future oil and gas production in ultra deep water and more harsh environments.

How has SNAME membership been of value to you in your career?
As a SNAME member I was able to routinely meet my peers and others working within the marine and offshore industries. This would happen while attending SNAME luncheons, dinners, conferences, and seminars. These functions would normally include guest speakers from industry who were actively engaged in design, engineering, R&D, construction, or operations. SNAME provided opportunities to meet these folks, ask questions, and learn. These functions enhanced my career over the last fifty years!

When did you know you wanted to pursue a job in the maritime field?
My interest in this field began as a young man living in a small seafaring town called Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada. In the mid-1950s this was a highly active port of call for all types of ships from around the world. Wooden/steel fishing boats, sailing schooners, steam powered cargo ships (later, motor vessels), and large Canadian ice breakers. I was able to get aboard all of them. Asking questions, learning how things worked, what they liked/disliked about seakeeping, mechanical issues, raising/lowering heavy canvas sails, etc. I even shoveled coal a time or two to keep the steam up. I could not get enough of ships and how they operate. This industry, this marine field is where I would build a career. My initial job was employment at ABS headquarters in New York in 1962, and I am still in the industry. It was a wonderful voyage!

As a senior member of the maritime field, what advice would you give to those entering it?
It is a unique and wonderful field to build a career. Opportunities abound. Select an area that suits your interest and pursue it. It could be at sea, the design office, or shipyard or management. In any event, being a team player with all working toward a shared goal is key! Sounds cliché, but it is true. Teams will meet the challenge and move the industry forward in terms of innovation, efficiency, and overall competitiveness.

This is your 50th year as a SNAME member. What is it about SNAME that has kept you engaged for 50 years.
Camaraderie. Having the opportunity to meet peers at SNAME and within the maritime industry. I believe having membership in SNAME says you have arrived, that you are part of a professional organization committed to the advancement of the maritime field.