Joel Thomson
Port Stephens / Newcastle,NSW
Summary
Marine Salvage Operator and company Director with a proven track record at East Coast Marine Salvage. Excelled in project management developing unique salvage solution's enhancing safety and efficiency. Safe completion of hundreds of small vessel salvage operations up to 100T as well as large scale shipping container recovery contracts for maritime NSW.
Flood recovery contracts working closely with NSW Maritime and EPA.
Skilled in staff management,Coordinating and over seeing sub contractors, fostering teamwork, and implementing safety protocols.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Salvage Operator/ Owner
East Coast Marine Salvage
01.2011 - Current
- As owner of East Coast Marine Salvage i have enjoyed the challenges each new salvage operation brings. A unique combination of skills Boat building,commercial diving and vessel handling, master five combined to create and operate a highly successful business . Along with small vessel salvage ECMS has recently been involved with several large scale government contracts including the two shipping container spills YM Efficiency and APL England off the NSW coast where i was tasked with controlling all on water movements of vessels including tug towage of floating containers at sea,coordinating dive searches and retrieval of debris from near shore areas and helicopter retrievals from remote coastal areas.
- Exceptional problem solving skills required to create innovative salvage solutions with a focus on safety, efficiency, environmental issues and cost .
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Assisted in training new operators, sharing knowledge of best practices and promoting a culture of teamwork amongst peers.
- Provided on-the-job training to newly hired workers subcontractors and team members.
- Maintained knowledge of industry policies and procedures to set up and operate equipment safely.
- Regular reviews of safe work method practices
- Worked outside in all weather conditions.
- Undertake and oversee all hi risk work activities, dive operations and remote shoreline access
- Coordinate on water movements of vessels in large scale salvage operations.
- Coordinate helicopter retrieval of debris and equipment from remote shoreline areas.
- Coordinate trucking and transport of oversized road freight, vessels , equipment etc
- Demolition and disposal of vessels in accordance with local regulations.
- Develop salvage plans and Provide detailed quotes and invoices
Carpenter
Self Employed
02.2001 - Current
- Whilst building was full time employment for over ten years it later become a fill in between pearling seasons and marine salvage contracts ,in recent years utilising this down time to work on my own projects has allowed me to complete the construction of our 2nd family home.
- Completed installations of building structures, trim, flooring, and cabinetry.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and professionally while keeping them informed of project progress.
- Demonstrated versatility in carpentry techniques, working proficiently with both hand tools and power tools to achieve desired results.
- Specialized in specific carpentry tasks such as framing, finish work, or restoration projects to provide clients with tailored services and high-quality results.
- Demonstrated close attention to detail to verify quality and accuracy of work.
- Read and interpreted construction plans to follow specifications of projects.
- Followed established job site safety regulations and maintained safe and clean work area.
- Planned and executed work with proper tools and materials to maximize productivity.
- Boosted project completion rates, adeptly handling multiple tasks from excavation ,footings, framing to finishing under tight deadlines.
- Improved efficiency on construction sites by maintaining and organizing tools and materials, ensuring projects were completed ahead of schedule.
- Strengthened client relationships, provided insightful recommendations on materials and design based on their specific needs.
- Calculated dimensions and amount of needed materials by accurately measuring job site and structures.
- Organie inspections by council ,engineers and all governing bodies to ensure compliance.
- Inspected buildings to identify repair needs.
Pearl Diver
Paspaley Pearls
03.2002 - 11.2007
- Employed as a seasonal Drift diver for Paspaley Pearls i spent 5 seasons working out of Darwin and Broome. Drift diving is the collecting of wild shell predominantly from eighty mile beach south of Broome . The Diving whilst lucrative is extremely hard work and requires both physical and mental fitness. Payed on a catch only basis required you stay focussed and self motivated in a very competitive work place. Paspaleys large and varied fleet of vessels allowed me to gain skills and sea time working under different skippers on many different vessels. Tasks include Night watches, Engine room checks, bunkering, crane operations loading / unloading deck cargo, barge towage ,
- Utilized advanced diving techniques with specialized bounce dive tables for repetitive diving
- Performed dive operations in challenging underwater conditions.
- Collaborated with marine biologists to support conservation efforts through monitoring shell size and catch effort
- Used surface supply air systems and oxygen supply to aid in successful diving operations.
- Optimized dive time management by calculating decompression stops accurately while utilizing appropriate gas mixtures for varying depths.
- Conducted regular equipment inventory audits to ensure timely replacement of worn-out gear or malfunctioning devices.
- Supervised and trained other divers in performance of essential functions and duties of position.
- Performed emergency response drills to enhance team preparedness during critical situations.
- Utilized underwater telephones, beacons and signal lines to effectively communicate with staff above water.
- Recovered objects beneath silt and water, connecting hooks and elevating with cranes, winches or derricks.
- Enhanced safety measures by conducting thorough pre-dive checks and equipment maintenance.
- Remained calm and focused, even during stressful or intense diving situations.
- Discussed equipment failures and medical problems arising during dives.
Shipwright /Boat Builder
Adventure Plastics
02.1998 - 02.2002
- After finishing high school year 12 i pursued an apprenticeship in Boat Building and completed my trade in four years often attending night tafe due to our busy workload . The busy workshop and variety of work undertaken allowed for comprehensive training in all areas of modern boatbuilding.
- Skilled in the use of hi tech laminates and modern boat building techniques.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and technical drawing .
- Welding and thermal cutting.
- Application of marine paints and coatings.
- Skilled in all areas of boat maintenance , repair and construction.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Provided exceptional craftsmanship while maintaining a focus on time management and productivity goals.
- Ensured boats met safety regulations by diligently following industry standards throughout the building process.
- Maintained clean, organized workspace for safe operation during daily tasks.
- Contributed to a positive working atmosphere by maintaining professionalism and collaborating effectively with team members at all levels of expertise.
Education
Advanced First Aid - Health & Safety
St John’s
Newcastle, NSW05.2022
Shoreline Response & Pollution Control & Disaster - Maritime Studies
NSW Maritime
Port Stephens 10.2018
MED 2 - Maritime Studies
Sea School Sydney
Sydney, NSW10.2011
Master 5 - Maritime Studies
Sea School Sydney
Sydney, NSW09.2011
Shipwright & Boat Building Certification - Marine
Newcastle Tafe
Tighes Hill, NSW11.2002
Skills
Project Management
Coordinate dive operations
Project estimation ,Quoting and invoicing
Troubleshooting
Staff Management
Hand and power tools
Problem-Solving
Positive Attitude
Punctual and Reliable
Equipment Maintenance
Equipment operation
References
Craig Brittlife Manager Director Varley’s Engineering Newcastle NSW
Mario Robelato CEO Varleys Engineering Newcastle NSW
Matthew Bonser Manager D’Albora Marina & Boat Yard, Nelson Bay NSW
Timeline
Marine Salvage Operator/ Owner
East Coast Marine Salvage
01.2011 - Current
Pearl Diver
Paspaley Pearls
03.2002 - 11.2007
Carpenter
Self Employed
02.2001 - Current
Shipwright /Boat Builder
Adventure Plastics
02.1998 - 02.2002
Advanced First Aid - Health & Safety
St John’s
Shoreline Response & Pollution Control & Disaster - Maritime Studies
NSW Maritime
MED 2 - Maritime Studies
Sea School Sydney
Master 5 - Maritime Studies
Sea School Sydney
Shipwright & Boat Building Certification - Marine
Newcastle Tafe
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