Our Team

John Williams

Founder

John’s first work was marina security in 1996, moving to fishing vessels after that and then into the Merchant Navy, where he worked from a deckhand to Chief Mate. He’s also worked as Marine Superintendent and Senior Commercial Operator, before coming to education as a university lecturer and short course trainer.

Cleaton Duguid

Nautical Lecturer | Master Mariner | DP Specialist

Cleaton Duguid is a seasoned maritime professional with over 30 years of global seafaring experience, as well as being a very experienced instructor. A certified Master Mariner and Marine Engineer, he has worked extensively in dynamic positioning, cruise ships, offshore operations, safety management, and ice navigation. His career reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence and leadership in high-stakes environments.
 
As a part of our team, Cleaton combines his extensive industry knowledge with formal teaching qualifications to deliver practical, high-impact education. Known for his clear instruction, professionalism, and mentorship, he is dedicated to imparting the skills and confidence our learners need to thrive in the modern world.

Shohel Kibria

Maritime Lecturer | Master Mariner | Simulator & MET Development Specialist

Captain Shohel Kibria AFNI is an experienced Master Mariner and maritime lecturer with over 20 years of global seafaring and leadership experience. His career spans vessel operations, safety management, crew development, and academic training.

Having taught all levels from cadets to master mariners, he delivers practical, simulation-based maritime education and supports professional qualification preparation. Beyond the classroom, Shohel is actively involved in the research and development of Maritime Education and Training (MET), focusing on enhancing full-mission bridge simulators to offer more realistic, real-time ship handling experiences for learners.

With advanced qualifications-MSc in Maritime Transport & Logistics, auditing, and safety, Capt. Shohel combines technical expertise with a passion for innovation in training — helping shape the next generation of confident, capable maritime professionals.

Dr Paul Doherty

Maritime Instructor | Maritime Author

Paul’s career in the Maritime Industry spans 36 years, including:

• Independent Consultant: Retained Marine Technical Consultant, New Construction, Refit Management Support, In-Service Support, Safety Management System support, Training (on-site and eLearning).
• Corporate New-build Marine Engineer (Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding).
• Marine Surveyor (Lloyd’s Register EMEA).
• Director of Technical Operations (Crystal Cruises Inc.),
• Seagoing (all ranks to Chief Engineer).

As a Subject Matter Expert in Rule-Based Safety Management, Paul has been recognized by both Commercial Shipping (Merchant Navy Medal, UK) and Superyacht Sectors for his contribution to Safety Management Systems and Shipboard Procedures. He was a founding member of the IMarEST Human Element Working Group, and former IMarEST Expert Delegate to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee.

Paul has authored several international peer reviewed journal articles on Rule-Based Safety and identifying Critical Equipment and is principal author of HTW2/INF.3 on Human Error and Shipboard Procedures – a white paper presented to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).