Royal Navy

I lead and manage a diverse team of specialist technicians in a fast-paced and challenging environment to maintain and repair the four 1.3MW diesel engines and associated auxiliary systems on a Type 23 frigate through innovative and resourceful solutions. Co-ordinate maintenance periods to ensure availability and readiness of propulsion systems to maximise power available to a crew of 185 personnel. Additionally I am a main electrical switchboard operator.

Deputy Section Head

I completed an engineering course consisting of mechanical and electrical modules that prepared me to transfer from nuclear submarines to surface ships.

Leading Engineering Technician 

I led and managed a team of 5 specialist technicians, ultimately being responsible for combat diver safety through the maintenance and repair of complex electrical and mechanical submersion systems. I organised maintenance periods for Portable Respiration Air Compressors, that are essential to providing life-saving oxygen to a compression chamber in the event of a diving accident. Health and Safety team leader charged with the logistical procurement and management of PPE. In addition to this, I was responsible for the upkeep of sensitive documentation that dictated standard and emergency operating procedures for the facility.

Leading Engineering Technician

I helped lead a small team to diagnose and repair electrical equipment and machinery with strict deadlines while using a safe system of work to maintain health and safety of the team while achieving a common objective.  My other responsibility is that of the main battery killick which involved organising essential maintenance tasks which would then be delegated to the junior technicians in the section.  I also took charge for all documentation and PPE associated with the main battery ensuring that all information and procedures associated with the battery were up to date and complying with health and safety at work regulations. When not organising section work I was a CAT C shutdown nuclear watch keeper which involved monitoring reactor parameters to ensure reactor safety and design limits were not compromised. This involved the organisation and completion of nuclear procedures that carried out essential maintenance on primary and secondary systems, as well as the control of external civilian contractors who carried out the maintenance.

I completed an 18 month course at HMS Sultan and HMNB Clyde to further my engineering career. On completion of a task book and getting hands on experience on my next unit, I will have achieved an NVQ level 3 in marine engineering and take up a junior managerial role. During the course I specialised in electrical engineering.

Leading Engineering Technician Qualifying Course

My responsibilities included calibrating equipment used in primary reactor systems maintenance as well as relief valves and gauges for secondary reactor systems. I was a also a freeze seal watch keeper, which involved freezing elements of the primary loop with liquid nitrogen for  nuclear maintenance when a normal two valve isolation can not be achieved. Good knowledge of standard operating procedures and emergency operating procedures was also required.

Engineering Technician, Nuclear Repair Workshop

After four years on submarines I was posted ashore to be an engineering support technician in HMNB Clyde. Dealing with the day to day running, maintenance and repair of the Shore Training Facility. This included maintenance and repair on various life support systems and other critical pieces of equipment that kept the systems at a operational and safe standard, while working in conjunction with DIVEX, BAE and Babcock Marine in maintaining the continuous operational capability of the facility.

Engineering Technician

I joined my boat in January 2011 and once qualified to B.S.Q. (basic submarine safety) I had the role of main machinery space watch keeper at sea. This included rounds, preventative maintenance and repairs on various machinery and systems that contributed to overall propulsion. In harbour my role was that of category D shut-down nuclear watch keeper, which comprised of being the eyes and ears of the shut down supervisor for the main machinery space and taking charge off containment systems locally in the event of a nuclear incident. After an enjoyable and challenging two and a half years in this role I moved into the forward section mechanical team, where my watch keeping position was in the control room operating systems that allowed command to conduct the program in a safe and tactical manner. I was also responsible for maintaining and fixing the various pieces of equipment that made air for the crew, as well as upkeep and replacement of fire fighting gear and other lifesaving equipment that contributed to the boats overall damage control capability. In harbour my role comprised being a ship control console watch keeper which consisted of operating the submarines various systems from a central position. I was also responsible for immediate emergency procedures in the event of a fire or flood on the boat, which involved bringing the boat to emergency stations and putting the submarines various high pressure systems in a safe state if the need for evacuation developed. I was also tasked with taking charge off preventative maintenance tasks and repairs using risk assessments, tag out procedures and leading less experienced members off the team to complete set tasks within the specified time limit, as well as being accountable to the chief engineer for the safe delivery off systems back to command. In an emergency our team were responsible for assessing any damage, repairing, and recommissioning high pressure systems back to command in a prompt but safe manner.

Marine Engineering Technician HMS Astute

I joined HMNB Clyde on a 9 week submarine qualifying course (dry phase) which entailed learning the basics of how a submarine works and becoming acquainted with all systems and standards expected on board so that I was safe and competent to go to sea. This course ended with a two hour interview and test on all systems and procedures to ensure good knowledge and understanding of the platform before I joined my first submarine.

On completion of basic training at HMS Raleigh, I joined HMS Sultan school of marine engineering to begin my specialised training in submarines. This involved learning engineering basics and basic nuclear theory.

I joined the Royal Navy as a marine engineering technician (submarines) in March 2010 and completed the nine week basic training course, transitioning from a civilian to a member of the  military. The training involved learning to work as an individual and as a team. It also involved various tasks that developed skills such as punctuality, attention to detail and a positive mental attitude.

With 15 years of service in the Royal Navy, I am a highly skilled and experienced electrical engineer and team leader, who has worked on nuclear submarines and state of the art warships. I currently lead and manage a diverse team of specialist technicians to maintain and repair the four 1.3MW diesel engines and associated auxiliary systems on a Type 23 frigate, ensuring the availability and readiness of propulsion systems for a crew of 185 personnel.

I am passionate about delivering innovative and resourceful solutions to complex engineering challenges, as well as coordinating maintenance periods, operating main electrical switchboards and procuring PPE. I also have a wealth of mechanical experience and a keen interest in mentoring, coaching and mental health. I am the host of "The Curious Ulsterman" podcast, a podcast that equips young adults with the tools they need to not just get by in adult life, but to ultimately thrive. My mission is to share my knowledge, skills, and insights with others and to contribute to the safety and success of my team and the wider society.

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