SAFETY4SEA is pleased to announce “Career Paths” column, which is both featured in monthly SAFETY4SEA Log magazine and online, hosting industry experts who present briefly an overview of their personal path towards their goals and objectives.
What are a few unique pieces of career advice that nobody ever mentions? What are actually beneficial to a career? Who is the most influential mentor to you? These and more we ask people of a noteworthy career to share their views and tips for an ideal path into maritime business.
Mr. Frank Coles, CEO, Transas, explains that maritime world had been always exciting for him from early age and wishes the current maritime landscape would support the human element better with more training and tools to anticipate future challenges ahead.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry?
Frank Coles: My family had a tradition in the Royal Navy and I wanted to see the world. Of course as a romantic once at sea I was locked into maritime forever.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you?
F.C.: I am excited by the opportunity to participate and discuss and possibly influence our industry to change in the digital revolution and join the modern world.
S4S:What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape?
F.C.:I would like to change it by enabling the human element to be given the training, tools and support to enable the modern business model
S4S:Who is/was the most influential person to you & why ?
F.C.:My mother for supporting my dreams and Steve Jobs for showing the way to challenge the status quo
S4S: Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
F.C.:A mistake is a learning opportunity, never give up
S4S: If you could tell your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be?
F.C.: Lets do it all over again
S4S: What is your personal motto?
F.C.:Failure is not an option
About Frank Coles
Frank Coles started his career as a merchant navy deck officer and qualified as a Master Mariner, Class One after 12 years at sea. After leaving the sea, Frank gained an LLM in Legal Aspects of Maritime Affairs from Cardiff University, Wales and spent 5 years practicing maritime law. In 1995, Frank joined Pacific Basin Bulk Shipping (PB) as Operations Director for 50 ships. After PB has decided to invest in Rydex, a company specializing in maritime communications, Frank Coles became the CEO of a newly acquired enterprise. After that Frank joined Sperry Marine as a Vice President of Business Development and Information technology. In September 1999 Frank became COO of Globe Wireless LLC. In 2003 Frank was appointed CEO, President and a member of the Board. In 2011 Frank joined Inmarsat as the Director GX Maritime, and in December 2011 he was appointed the President of the Inmarsat Maritime business unit. In September 2015, Frank Coles joined Transas as the CEO and member of the Board of Directors. His key aim at Transas is to create an ecosystem of harmonized integrated solutions in safety, navigation, training and ship operation, that will enhance ship and shore integration.
…..and I do believe Mr. Coles’ key aim – to create an ecosystem of harmonized integrated solutions in safety, navigation, training and ship operation, that will enhance ship and shore integration will be realised; I am sure Wartsila see things in the same perspective. We’re already involved with TRANSAS, UAE.