Roly joined Severnside Consultants Ltd. as Managing Director in 1998. His sea-going career extends over twenty-six years up to the position of Master. His career began with Blue Funnel Line and over the years he has served on a variety of vessels including general cargo, container, bulk, reefer, heavy lift, liquid cargoes, passenger, ferries and cable ships.

In addition to the above, Roly has been working with Defence Agencies as a Superintendent for over ten years. He has worked with ro-ros, ro-los, general cargo, semi-submersibles, passenger and troop carriers. He has been involved in operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Iraq, Oman, Cyprus, Jordan, Canada, America and Kenya.

Roly specialises in all general/bulk cargoes, military equipment and explosives.


Iain commenced his career with Bank Line and remained at sea with them for 24 years, the final 8 years as Master. In 1988 Iain came ashore, initially with the Falklands Government Fishery Patrol before working with various companies including Defence Agencies, Hogg Robinson GFA, Gearbulk, Burness Corlett & Partners (London) and DFDS. He joined Severnside Consultants Limited in 2006 as a Senior Surveyor.

He has served as an Admiralty Pilot and Assistant Queens Harbour Master in the Falklands, and undertaken general consultancy work on behalf of Owners, P&I Clubs, Charterers, Underwriters and Marine Lawyers. He has also given evidence as an expert witness.

Iain has experience with general cargoes, forest produce, project cargoes, hot and cold rolled steel products, supply chain management, casualty investigations, condition surveys and charter party disputes. He is also an appointed surveyor for the Panama Bureau of Shipping.


Chris joined Severnside Consultants Ltd. as a Marine Surveyor/Superintendent in 2002. His sea-career extends over 18 years up to the position of Master. He commenced his sea career with Blue Funnel Line and has worked on a variety of vessels.

From 1979 to 2002 Chris worked as a Port Captain for Kerr Steamship Company, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, and Delmas Shipping Company.

Chris has considerable experience as a Surveyor/Superintendent with all types of cargo and has worked for some years with Defence Agencies worldwide.


John heads the Security Team. He is a former Royal Marine Officer who, after leaving the Corps, specialised in Africa and the Middle East.

John is assisted by former Commando Forces Personnel who are all well-versed in working in hostile environments worldwide. They all possess a strong maritime background and offer a wealth of experience in the field of High Level Security and Logistics.


During times of surge and crisis and busy periods Severnside has an extensive network of associates made up of Master Mariners and former British Military Personnel, all of whom we have worked with in the past and they are happy to continue to do so to cover our Clients' needs.

When utilising their services we ensure that their background, experience and expertise meets the Client’s requirements.


Karen is the Company Secretary and Operations Manager. She joined Severnside Consultants in 1996, having previously worked for Ernst & Young.

Karen is responsible for the Quality System and the general administration. She is the first point of contact between Severnside Consultants and its clients, and has built up a strong rapport with all personnel and clients.

In addition to her experience gained working with the Severnside Team, she has also worked closely with Defence Agencies and was commended for the Quality System she put in place for working with Defence, and for the standard of written reports.

Karen is assisted by a team of qualified administration staff.