Michael Fowkes - Master Mariner

Marine Operations & Audits Service Line Lead

Marine Salvage Co-Ordinator

Class 1 Master Mariner Unlimited CoC
MsC in Sustainable Maritime Operations
ISM Auditor Certificate
ISO 14001 Lead Auditor
Advanced Project Manager
Certified in Management Development
NEBOSH Occupational Health and Safety General Certificate

Michael started his seagoing career in 2004 in the nearshore and offshore fishing industry operating out of Cape Town serving as crew and later as skipper. He operated within a multitude of fishing sectors and completed a number of fishing vessel deliveries both locally and internationally.

In 2008 he began sailing on Oil and Chemical Tankers before moving onto Large Emergency Response and Salvage tugs, anchor handling and supply tugs and lastly offshore marine mining vessels.

Michael has spent the majority of his sea career working within a leading salvage company, in the offshore emergency towage and salvage sector as a senior officer, before sailing as Master on Dynamic Positioning Anchor handling and Supply tugs. During this time he was actively involved in a large number of marine salvage operations including a number of high profile offshore towage, salvage and wreck removal operations.

In 2018 he was a senior officer on an offshore diamond mining vessel operating a vertical mining system whilst on a four anchor spread, in 2019 he transferred onto an intercompany onshore project role to lead the company’s safety management system simplification and alignment project, developing a deep understanding of Hazard and Risk mitigation and identification, as well as the International Safety Management (ISM) code.

Since joining TMC in 2021, Michael has not only been involved in numerous salvage and wreck removal cases and disputes but is often instructed as lead auditor, lead investigator and expert witness where he has provided expert evidence in Maritime courts. With many years of experience in marine salvage Michael was appointed to the Lloyds panel of Special Casualty Representatives (SCR).