North America Regional Meeting

Technical Adviser – Marine

Richard joined IMCA in June 2021 having gained 25 years of experience in the DP related industry.

Richard started his career as a cadet engineer with P&O Containers where he stayed until obtaining his Class 2 Engineering certificate. He then moved into the offshore industry first on seismic survey, followed by pipelayers and then onto DSVs during which time he gained his Class 1 Chief Engineers Certificate.

Richard worked for a number of years at Trinity House Lighthouse Authority and was involved in their new build programme.

Richard came ashore to work for an Aberdeen based DP Consultancy, PML, which was acquired by Noble Denton and then DNV. He spent 13 years as a DP Practitioner producing FMEAs on all types of Dynamically Positioned vessels as well as incident investigations and FMEA analysis on mission critical equipment, specialising in closed bus FMEAs utilising advanced generator protection systems and hybrid battery systems.

Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Margaret is a qualified maritime lawyer and chemical scientist who holds Chartered status with the Royal Society of Chemistry (CChem) and Chartered status with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH).

Margaret has over 20 years’ experience in shipping. She previously worked for the IMO Secretariat, leading on the development of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code and related regulations on the carriage of hazardous chemicals and noxious and polluting substances, including the HNS Convention.

Her experience also includes working for a member of the International Association of Classification Societies as a senior safety and environmental specialist, and as an expert adviser on several high-profile maritime incidents.

Technical Adviser – Diving

Dave has a 34-year background in Diving, having worked as an offshore air and saturation diver, project engineer, offshore inspection engineer and workshop manager for companies including Oceanteam, Aquanos, and UTEC in the North Sea, the Middle East, Russia, and Europe. 

His most recent role was with the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) where he’s worked since 2008 as a Diving Specialist Inspector, regulating the safety of divers working in the offshore energy and other sectors of the diving industry.  

Master Mariner

Dustin Varnell joined IMCA in July 2022 and has 20 years of experience in offshore energy and marine operations.   He spent over fifteen years offshore as a ship’s officer working internationally on large-scale projects in Asia, GOM, and Brazil. Dustin is a Master Mariner, an experienced Dynamic Positioning operator, and holds many industry credentials and certifications. His shipyard and vessel construction experience include projects in Japan, Singapore, and various locations in the United States.

Dustin also has construction and operational planning experience in the developing U.S. offshore renewable energy industry. He is passionate about the development of offshore renewables and the implementation of marine technology to improve safety.