Managing Director and Chief Surveyor
Owen holds a Master’s degree in Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture and has worked as a professional surveyor since 2012. He began his career with Bureau Veritas progressing to the role of UK Head of Newbuild Construction, gaining extensive experience in vessel survey, commercial management, plan approval, construction oversight, statutory survey, and regulatory compliance.
His professional background spans newbuild and in-service survey, naval architecture, construction management, and regulatory interpretation across a wide range of commercial vessels and workboats. Owen continues to be an active member of multiple technical working groups with both industry and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), contributing to the development, clarification, and consistent application of Codes of Practice and statutory requirements.
As Managing Director and Chief Surveyor, Owen provides leadership and oversight across MECAL’s activities, ensuring consistency, proportionality, and compliance in line with flag administration and regulator delegation.
Since acquiring MECAL in September 2022, Owen has focused on strengthening technical assurance, modernising certification processes, and reinforcing MECAL’s role as a trusted, independent Certifying Authority. His leadership is centred on maintaining high professional standards while supporting safe, practical, and sustainable vessel operations whilst supporting novel developments across the small commercial vessel, workboat, and specialist craft sectors.
Office Manager, Technical Secretary and Quality Lead
Anna joined MECAL in 2011 following her move to the South West from the Midlands. She brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, with a strong background in general administration, customer service, and management.
In her previous role as a Facilities Manager, Anna gained a NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification and hands-on experience in the implementation and auditing of ISO 9001 quality management systems. This experience has enabled her to take a leading role in managing MECAL’s ISO 9001:2015 certification and internal quality processes.
As Office Manager and Technical Secretary, Anna oversees newbuild projects, coordinates technical submissions, and provides support on technical queries, playing a central role in ensuring consistency, compliance, and efficiency across MECAL’s certification activities.
Technical Administrator
Shannon joined the MECAL team in 2024 in a multi-disciplinary role with a strong focus on technical administration. Plymouth born and bred, she brings valuable experience from her previous position as a Team Leader in a fast-paced operational environment, where organisation, accuracy, and communication were essential.
At MECAL, Shannon supports the wider team across technical and administrative functions, including managing and coordinating invoicing, financial reconciliation, forecasting and assisting with the administration of surveys, projects, and certification activities. Her role provides important support to both the technical and finance functions, helping to ensure efficient day-to-day operations and timely delivery of services.
Admin Lead
Kim joined MECAL in 2008 following relocating from Stroud to Devon. She brings extensive administrative and management experience gained across both the private and public sectors, with over 20 years at organisations including NatWest Bank, HSBC, and GCHQ, where she progressed through a range of increasingly senior and managerial roles.
As MECAL’s Administration Lead, Kim provides oversight and direction across the administrative function, with particular responsibility for complex certification matters, regulatory coordination, and the resolution of long-standing or technically involved cases. Her depth of experience and detailed knowledge of MECAL’s processes play a key role in maintaining consistency, compliance, and effective communication across the organisation.
Administrator
Jo joined MECAL in 2021 and plays a key role within the administrative team, supporting the day-to-day operation of vessel certification and survey coordination. She brings a high level of organisational skill and attention to detail, developed over more than 34 years in an accountancy environment where she progressed to Executive Personal Assistant to a Chartered Accountant.
Her experience in both the private sector and the NHS, including supporting frontline services throughout the COVID-19 period, has equipped her with strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex, time-critical administrative tasks while maintaining excellent client service.
At MECAL, Jo provides dependable administrative support to surveyors, technical staff, and clients, ensuring documentation is processed accurately and efficiently and contributing to the smooth delivery of MECAL’s certification activities.
Administrator
Sue joined MECAL in 2021 and has lived and worked in Plymouth throughout her career. She brings over 21 years of experience from the NHS, where she developed a broad range of administrative skills, progressing through several roles and consistently delivering a high standard of professional service.
At MECAL, Sue provides administrative support across certification and survey activities, assisting with documentation and client queries. She ensures documentation is processed accurately and efficiently and contributing to the smooth delivery of MECAL’s operations.
Financial and General Administrator
Abi joined the MECAL team in 2025, working across finance and general administration. Plymouth born and bred, she brings valuable experience from previous HR roles within large organisations, providing a strong foundation in people management, compliance, and organisational processes.
At MECAL, Abi supports both the finance and administrative functions of the business, assisting with invoicing, financial reconciliation, and general administration. She works closely with the admin, technical and survey teams to ensure certification and survey processes are supported efficiently, accurately, and in line with MECAL’s quality management systems.
Financial and General Administrator
Jess joined the MECAL team in 2026, working across finance and general administration. With a background rooted in professional services, she brings valuable experience from her previous role within a law firm, developing a strong appreciation for detail, organisation, and client-focused administration.
At MECAL, Jess provides support across the finance and administrative functions of the business, assisting with invoicing, financial reconciliation, and day-to-day administration. She works closely with the administrative, technical, and survey teams to help ensure certification and survey activities are managed efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with MECAL’s quality management systems.
