Les Chapman has been appointed by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) as the new Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSRep), overseeing the response to accidents at sea.
The SOSRep is responsible for reducing the risk to safety and the environment arising from incidents, such as the Transocean Winner rig grounding off the Isle of Lewis last year and the Hoegh Osaka incident in Solent in 2015.
The role was created in 1999 and the SOSRep has overall responsibility for monitoring response in offshore incidents where there is a risk of significant pollution.
Newly appointed Chapman is a graduate of the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada and has worked for a number of commercial maritime organisations.
He is also a fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the Nautical Institute.
"Difficult but rewarding"
Chapman said: “The SOSRep role can be a difficult but very rewarding one as it’s all about providing protection and safety in the maritime world.”
Before assuming the SOSRep responsibilities, Chapman will work alongside current SOSRep Hugh Shaw OBE for several months, to allow a substantial transition period.
Sir Alan Massey, chief executive of MCA, said: “As we have seen from many serious incidents in UK waters over recent years, the SOSRep has a unique and critical role in rapidly and effectively marshalling the resources of all parties to achieve the best possible outcomes.
“Les brings highly relevant skills and experience with him and I am sure he will be an excellent successor to Hugh Shaw OBE, who has done a superb job over the years in growing the effectiveness and influence of the SOSRep role.”
