Australian Marine Consultants was founded in 1992, and our founding principal, Des Ward, remains actively involved in daily operations. Darren Simmonds, who joined in 2004, now oversees the majority of our vessel survey activities.
Helen Keen
Helen has managed the Whitsunday office since 1994 and is the first point of contact for most clients. She has achieved a high level of loss adjusting and insurance qualifications (ANZIIF – Senior Associate and CIP, and Member of the Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters.)
Helen has considerable experience in the field of personal injury and passenger claims in marine situations and is our expert in interviewing and eliciting information necessary in matters of this nature.
Des Ward
Des has over 50 years’ experience as a marine superintendent and surveyor, with his experience gained originally in Europe and the Caribbean before settling in Queensland many years ago.
His particular area of expertise is risk management, casualty investigation and marine underwriter services.
Darren Simmonds
Darren started his career with 9 years in the Royal Australian Navy and went on to gain experience in ferry operations and “white” boats in Europe and North America. As a qualified shipwright Darren’s knowledge of construction and repair techniques and vessel refitting is of considerable value in his career as a surveyor which spans in excess of 30 years.
Darren is very much a hands on surveyor and is at the front line of most of our hull claims. Darren is an AMSA accredited marine surveyor and routinely undertakes inspections and surveys in this capacity.
Paul Dempsey
Paul is based in Cairns and has many years’ experience in the marine salvage and construction industry. He is very experienced in all aspects of coastal and ocean towing and the oil and gas industry including anchor handling and rig supply operations.
His knowledge of Safety Management Systems and compliance issues is extensive. In addition to his Class 1 Masters license and various Pilotage exemption certificates Paul has a Diploma of Applied Science (Ship Master) issued by the Australian Maritime College and has undertaken the Ferriby Marine ISM Lead Auditors Course.
Shane Bradley
Shane is currently finalising his loss adjusting qualifications and is extremely competent in claim investigations. He regularly undertakes enquiries and inspections and routinely completes in-depth reports associated with liability matters. He has extensive knowledge of small craft and private recreational vessels including battery and electronic systems.
Matthew Litherland
Matt is a qualified Master <45 NC and also holds a Marine Engine Driver Class 1. Previous roles include Master for commercial tugs in various activities and passenger ferries. Currently he is working towards becoming an AMSA accredited surveyor and also undertakes surveys of vessels for insurance, pre purchase, finance or claim matters.
Dave Molloy
Dave has been in the overnight charter boat industry in the Whitsunday area for many years having previously owned and operated a number of commercial vessels. More recently he completed a refurbishment of a cruiser which was used for day charters. His knowledge and experience with boat building and AMSA accredited work is extensive.
Julie Beaumont
Julie is based in our Airlie Beach office and has responsibility for our day to day accounting and administration functions. She plays an important support role in our reporting and communications. Julie is also very experienced in small craft operations having previously sailed extensively both in Asia and the Mediterranean.
Our surveyors have a wide range of qualifications as commercial masters and engineers, yachtmasters, and divers. They have various other qualifications and experience in areas such as workplace health and safety, fire fighting, and first aid.
Between us, we have considerable experience in ship operations and surveying both worldwide and in our region.
We maintain a high level of professional indemnity and other appropriate business insurance, details of which are available upon request.
Our client base is small but loyal, and we have established a significant track record of providing a high standard of underwriter and other client services over many years. References are available on request.