Kerrie Forster

Kerrie Forster

Kerrie’s 19 year professional career has been dedicated to both onshore and offshore roles within various maritime industries. He is an industry Consultant and CEO of the Workboat Association – “The trade association for Workboat Owners, Operators, Stakeholders and Professionals” and Non-Executive Director of Maritime UK – “The collective voice for the UK’s maritime industries”.

Once a workboat vessel Master, he has offshore experience within Offshore Energy, Survey, Dive support, Civils and Dredging markets. Kerrie spent a number of years managing a fleet of workboats for an Internationally operating company based in the Netherlands and has gained his experience from working across the globe.

With a strong background in nurturing a well-accepted safety culture, responsible work ethics and cross organisation understanding, he has designed and created a number of maritime management systems; including Operational and QHSE documentation, processes and controls to ISO/OHSAS/IMO certification. He has also played a part in significant incident and accident investigations both internally and externally. Though specialising in vessels below 500gt, he is an ISM lead auditor with experience inspecting, auditing and training on board larger convention vessels.

Living in Rotterdam – the Netherlands, Kerrie actively represents the Workboat Industry and wider Offshore Contracting Sector speaking at and Chairing working groups and conferences, providing guidance and research to many National and International publications, campaigns and Government strategies. Motivated in supporting all industry stakeholders from Regulators to Apprentices.

• CEO of the Workboat Association
• Non-Executive Director of Maritime UK
• Member of the UK Government’s Maritime Council
• Member of the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Council
• Member of the UK Government’s Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce
• Vice Chairman of the IMCA Inspection Committee
• Board member of the UK Maritime Skills Alliance
• Mentor at the Marine Society and Sea Cadets