Maritime safety leader becomes Honorary Doctorate

John is one of seven distinguished individuals to be recognised at Solent’s 2024 graduation ceremonies, where he has become an Honorary Doctor of Maritime Studies.

John’s Honorary Doctorate is in recognition of the instrumental role he has played in cultivating a meaningful relationship between Inmarsat and Solent University. This includes hosting visits to demonstrate and train members of Warsash Maritime School on important systems; providing early access to training materials to underpin the University’s cutting-edge teaching offer; and enhancing student learning by providing access internal test environments. John says:

“It is with great honour that I accept this Honorary Doctorate. My journey into the world of maritime safety began over a decade ago. A challenging path lay before me, carrying the weight of the responsibility to ensure the safety of 1.9 million seafarers at sea.

“In my first month at Inmarsat, I enrolled in the General Operators Course at Warsash Maritime School. The practical training and exceptional instructors not only equipped me with new skills and procedures, but also strengthened my belief that significant industry changes should not only rely on technology but also on solid foundations and partnerships with training institutions.

“I am proud to be affiliated with this outstanding institute and look forward to our future collaborations.”

John’s outstanding career began in the British Army, where he specialised in special communications, including RF, satellite and terrestrial systems. After his retirement from the military, John focused his attention on maritime satellite communications and Global Maritime Safety Systems (GMDSS).

An expert in his field, John has been instrumental in the development of cutting-edge safety services, including RescueNET, SafetyNET II and Fleet Safety. In 2014, Inmarsat recruited John to lead the modernisation and enhancement of their technical and regulatory operations in Maritime Safety Satellite Services, and he is recognised across the industry as a leading expert in the subject.

As an advisor on maritime safety, John plays a crucial role in supporting regulatory authorities including the International Maritime Organisation, World Meteorological Organisation, Worldwide Navigational Warning Service, as well as the UK Government.

In March 2024, John visited Solent’s Maritime Simulation Centre to donate a GMDSS bridge on behalf of Inmarsat. Boosting practical learning for students and enhancing a suite of simulated facilities that replicate real-world environments, Solent is now the only institution in England to have this cutting-edge equipment.