West of England P&I strengthens loss prevention team

Written by Marine Log Staff
image description

Captain Simon Hodgkinson, Global Head of Loss Prevention at West of England P&I Club

West of England P&I Club has appointed Captain Simon Hodgkinson, formerly Head of Marine Operations at seismic vessel operator Polarcus, as Global Head of its Loss Prevention Department. It has also promoted Dean Crossley to Loss Prevention Manager and appointed James Oliver as a Loss Prevention Officer. Oliver previously worked with BMT Surveys as a marine surveyor and has extensive previous seagoing experience.

In addition to his work at Polarcus, Hodgkinson served on the DNV GL Technical Committee Middle East for six years and is a member of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners and the Nautical Institute.

Hodgkinson will have global responsibility for leading the club’s loss prevention team of former master mariners, deck officers and engineers as they work to enhance club members’ risk management, provide best practice guidance on operational and technical matters, and ensure the safety of members’ ships and seafarers.

Tom Bowsher, Group CEO at West of England P&I Club, said, “The growing complexity of managing current and future risks requires the highest standards of loss prevention expertise. Throughout his time at sea, including 10 years as mMaster, and more than a decade at Polarcus, Simon has consistently demonstrated an outstanding ability to achieve the best outcomes for his ships and his seafarers. We are delighted to have Simon join West.”

The club’s Loss Prevention department provides condition surveys for more than 400 vessels each year, provides more than 25 seminars and workshops, and handles a wide range of enquiries frommembers each day. Analysis of the loss prevention service has consistently demonstrated a positive impact on claims frequency and severity, and improved Members’ vessel efficiency and reduced off-hire time.

“I’m thrilled to be joining one of the most widely respected clubs in its 150th year,” said Hodgkinson. “A safe voyage requires detailed preparation to maximize its performance and the West’s commitment to its Members at every stage of their voyage activity is our highest priority in Loss Prevention. I look forward to working with the West’s high-quality membership to help enhance their operations, crew welfare and risk management.”

Categories: News, Shipping Tags: , , , ,