Rob Gale LLB (Hons) RMarTech

Head of Training at IMEC

Speaker

Rob Gale is a maritime professional with over 17 years of industry experience, having joined the sector in 2009. He began his career at sea as a navigation officer, serving on a range of vessel types, before transitioning ashore into multiple roles including as an ECDIS lecturer, marine superintendent, and regulatory affairs specialist.

Rob has developed a strong reputation at the intersection of maritime regulation, technology, and workforce development. Since 2018, he has been actively engaged in the evolution of maritime autonomy, contributing to international discussions and authoring submissions to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), particularly relating to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). His expertise led to a secondment to the IMO, where he served as a senior expert on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), supporting the development of future regulatory frameworks.

Prior to joining the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC), Rob worked at the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) as a Policy Manager. In this role, he oversaw marine equipment regulation during the UK’s transition out of the EU and led initiatives as Autonomy Training Vessel Lead, focusing on manning models and training approval pathways for remote and autonomous shipping operations.

Rob now plays a key role in advancing global maritime training standards, with extensive involvement in the development and oversight of cadet training programmes worldwide. He brings deep knowledge of maritime education and training systems, working closely with industry stakeholders to identify gaps and implement practical, scalable solutions. A significant aspect of his work includes managing training funds that support the development of cadet programmes and broader training initiatives, ensuring resources are effectively directed to improve quality, sustainability, and accessibility across the sector.

He is a strong advocate for future-ready training, with a focus on digitalisation, human factors, and ensuring that seafarers remain central to industry transformation despite rapid technological change. His work consistently emphasises raising global training standards while supporting the next generation of maritime professionals.

Rob holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Southampton Solent University and a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Studies from Warsash Maritime Academy. In 2026, he was elected to the Technical Leadership Committee of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), recognising his contribution and leadership within the global maritime community.