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Stephen Grist’s career in maritime began in a small seaside town, influenced by family connections to the Merchant Navy. His journey took off through a sponsored Deck Officer Cadetship with Maersk, an unconventional career path at the time. After completing his cadetship and training at the renowned Warsash Maritime Academy, Stephen embarked on a career at sea with Maersk Line. Here, he served on a variety of vessels, gaining hands-on experience and rising through the ranks with a strong focus on occupational safety and operational excellence.

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“I enjoyed the broad scope of responsibilities associated with my roles at sea and was fortunate to gain extensive experience in a working environment that required the highest standards of occupational safety within the strict commercial schedules associated with container liner shipping.”

Joining Idwal: Building on a Legacy of Maritime Excellence

In 2020, Stephen transitioned ashore, joining Idwal’s Technical Department. This department is critical to Idwal’s mission, as it ensures every technical report meets the company's stringent quality standards. With a wealth of seafaring experience, Stephen quickly became a valued member of the team, taking on multiple roles and supporting the global network of maritime surveyors and clients.

Championing Technical Accuracy and Quality in Maritime Inspection

Today, as a Senior Maritime Surveyor, Stephen’s responsibilities include overseeing technical procedures, ensuring their efficiency and accuracy, and leading complex technical projects for clients. His dedication to quality is evident in his approach to technical reporting, where he places the utmost importance on precision, transparency, and collaboration with clients and surveyors.

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“Ensuring our clients receive transparent, high-quality results, even on complex projects, is what makes my role at Idwal both challenging and gratifying.”

Bringing Expertise from the Field into the Office

Even in a predominantly office-based role, Stephen values the time he spends aboard vessels, as this on-the-ground exposure keeps his knowledge of systems and trends up to date. His belief in the importance of “boots on deck” is shared across Idwal, emphasising that first-hand experience is vital for maintaining Idwal’s high standards. 

“Ensuring we regularly get our ‘boots on deck’ is critical to stay current with the latest systems, challenges, or trends on various vessel types.”

Committed to Lifelong Learning and Industry Standards

With a Chief Mate’s Unlimited License and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Operations, Stephen is continuously expanding his expertise. Idwal’s support for ongoing training aligns with Stephen’s commitment to excellence, allowing him to take courses like Maritime Lead Auditor and work towards further leadership qualifications.

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Through a combination of hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Stephen Grist exemplifies Idwal’s dedication to delivering top-notch maritime inspection services. His story is one of continuous learning and a passion for setting industry benchmarks in quality and safety.

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