UK Maritime Services
Richard Bell, Assistant Director, UK Technical Services Navigation
Richard was appointed to his position in February 2019, previously he had been a deck officer with the RFA and Carnival UK, working in maritime training and the Loss Prevention Executive for the Standard P&I Club.
His role at the MCA requires him to ensure that the UK’s obligations under SOLAS Chapter IV and V are carried out effectively. These obligations include Hydrography, Maritime Surveillance, Navigation Policy and Radio Communications. Richard works closely with the multi-disciplinary teams responsible for maintaining these obligations, helping them solve day to day problems, improving services where possible and to ensure that future challenges are mitigated and anticipated.
Life quote: “If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything.” – Miyamoto Musashi
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Prasad Panicker, Assistant Director, UK Technical Services Operations
Prasad is a marine engineer who had a career at sea on various types of vessels in different capacities culminating as Chief Engineer. He then worked as a surveyor for a prominent Class Society before joining the MCA in 2005. He has held various roles within the Agency and has headed the Survey, Maritime Security & Safety Management, and Inspection Operations branches prior to taking up this role.
In his current role, Prasad is responsible for supporting and enhancing the overall performance and consistency of survey, inspection and audit operations through monitoring, promoting and evaluating the technical consistency and efficiency of services. He is also responsible for managing the development of policy, regulation, guidance and instruction in respect of MCA survey, inspection and audit activities and for enabling the provision of consistent survey and inspection advice to MCA surveyors, recognised organisations and vessel operators.
Life quote: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather become a man of value”. - Albert Einstein
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Fraser Heasley, Assistant Director, UK Survey and Inspection - North
Fraser was appointed as the Assistant Director – Survey and Inspection North in January 2019.
Fraser is a Naval Architect and Chartered Engineer by trade and initially worked in the shipbuilding industry prior to joining the MCA in 1998 as a Fishing Vessel Surveyor. Since then Fraser has carried out various roles including Head of Stability Unit, Surveyor in Charge and latterly Technical Manager prior to taking up his current role.
Fraser is responsible for delivering S&I activities in the North of the Country and enjoys the satisfaction through helping make improvements in safety across the marine industry. Away from work he enjoys sailing and following rugby union in all its forms.
Life quote: "Keep the heid" - Unknown
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Glenn Richardson, Assistant Director, Governance (Business)
Glenn joined the civil service in 1992 as an Admin Assistant within HM Customs and Excise before transferring to the Agency in 1995. During his 25+ years career Glenn has undertaken a number of roles focussing predominantly around Project/Programme Management. Most recently in leading roles for both the Future Coastguard and Survey and Inspection business change programmes.
As Assistant Director, Glenn supports Katy Ware in the strategic oversight and management of business/corporate governance matters, for example Finance, Risk, HR. Supporting Maritime Services teams in delivering the agency’s ambitious plans over the coming years.
Life quote: “Progress, not perfection” - Unknown
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Gwilym Stone, Assistant Director, UK Technical Services Ship Standards
Gwilym became Assistant Director, Ship Standards in January 2018, having joined the MCA in 2007.
Before current role he had spent 5 years in the International Liaison team, working across both IMO’s technical and governance meetings. He was also the focal point on EU engagement, which included taking a lead role in the Agency’s preparations for Brexit.
His current team has responsibility for developing, and maintaining, UK policies and regulations relating to a wide range of safety and environmental issues associated with ships and vessels of all sizes (from small pleasure vessels to the largest internationally trading ships).
This provides a dynamic working environment with regular engagement with MCA operational colleagues, other Government Departments and Maritime Administrations, as well as industry stakeholders.
Being able to provide leadership and effective people management been a fulfilling opportunity of this role.
Life quote: “If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.” – Steve Jobs
Email Gwilym directly or alternatively connect on LinkedIn.