IMCA North America Regional Meeting

Director for Client Engagement – North America

Bruce joined the IMCA secretariat in June 2018. He knows IMCA well having been a past Vice-Chairman of the Association’s North America regional committee.

He has over 30 years’ experience in the offshore construction industry. Bruce joined Heerema Marine Contractors in 1985 and held a wide range of executive roles in developing the company’s successful market presence in North America.

Bruce was also a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the influential National Ocean Industries Association in Washington DC.

Technical Adviser – Diving

Peter joined IMCA’s Diving Team in April 2012, following 14 years at the Health and Safety Executive (UK HSE) as a Principle Inspector. Having started as an inspector with HSE, Peter subsequently managed the Southern Diving Inspection Team, looking after the health and safety of divers through inspection and investigation in both the offshore and onshore sectors of diving.

Peter began his diving career in Canada, moving to England in the late 70s. Initially working in Plymouth at a diver training school, his career took him to the commercial sector, which included a research post at University College London and then to Rockwater as the ROV & Inspection Services Manager, which broadened his offshore construction knowledge. Peter has had input to many facets of the diving industry including research, legislation, diver training and project management reinforced throughout by diver safety.

He holds a BA in Technology (Open) and a Post Graduate Diploma and MSc in Occupational Health and Safety (Aston).

Master Mariner

Dustin Varnell joined IMCA in July 2022 and has 20 years of experience in offshore energy and marine operations.   He spent over fifteen years offshore as a ship’s officer working internationally on large-scale projects in Asia, GOM, and Brazil. Dustin is a Master Mariner, an experienced Dynamic Positioning operator, and holds many industry credentials and certifications. His shipyard and vessel construction experience include projects in Japan, Singapore, and various locations in the United States.

Dustin also has construction and operational planning experience in the developing U.S. offshore renewable energy industry. He is passionate about the development of offshore renewables and the implementation of marine technology to improve safety.

Technical Adviser – Marine

Graeme joined IMCA as Technical Adviser, Marine in May 2018 and since then has been involved in developing the DP Accreditation scheme, updating many of the key DP guidance documents, supporting IMCA’s technical seminar programme and implementing IMCA’s quality management system gaining ISO accreditation in late 2018.

Graeme started his career as an electrical engineering apprentice in a papermill before moving into the Marine and Oil & Gas industry. During his 25-year career in oil and gas, Graeme has worked with ABB, Poseidon Maritime, Noble Denton and Germanischer Lloyd in a range of technical and senior management positions. Between 2010 and 2016 Graeme focused on establishing and developing his own marine assurance, consulting and technical recruitment businesses which he sold in late 2016.

Graeme has worked at technical, management and board level during his career primarily focusing on the DP and Marine consulting sector.