About the author

Biography - Ian C Biles

Ian started sailing with his father at the age of 12 in Coypu dinghies and progressed to Mirror, Enterprise, Wayfarer and 420's.  Developing a love of sailing and most things nautical Ian went to sea upon finishing school.  He sailed world-wide for 23 years (1975 to 1988) on a range of commercial ships and spent his leave sailing around the UK and in the Mediterranean.  Throughout this time Ian studied for his commercial and yachting qualifications and he passed his Ocean Yachtmasters in 1982 followed by his Class 1 (Unlimited) Masters Certificate in 1984.

In 1988 Ian was recruited by Shell International Marine whereupon he returned to the University of Southampton on an Honours degree course in Naval Architecture (Ship Science).  Following this he went on to take a Masters degree in Business Management.

Ian began his own marine surveying and consultancy business in 1992.  The company has developed to offer technical advice and services to Owners, Operators, Managers, Banks and Insurance Companies in both the leisure and commercial marine sectors.

In 1995, working closely with a London based Underwriter, Ian developed a Risk Management Programme specifically for large yachts.  The programme has carried out risk management reviews of over 300 different superyachts with Ian having personally carried out over 100 of these.

Ian has been closely involved with the International Institute of Marine Surveyors being elected President in 1999.  He has been heavily involved with all of the Institute's education and training activities and up until December 2008 he was the Institutes Education and Training Director and the Course Director for the Diploma in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying.