V. R. Shanmugam began his maritime career as a Naval Gunner in the Republic of Singapore Navy (1975-1977). He thereafter joined the Merchant Marine in 1977 as an Officer Cadet with Barber Blue Sea & Barber Wilhelmsen, before sailing as a Deck Officer with Singa Ship Management, obtaining his COC-Class 1 in 1987.

Following his return to shore, Capt. Shanmugam began his practice as a Marine Surveyor/Consultant with Unispec Services Pte Ltd (1987-1989) and Cleghorn Wilton & Associates (1989-1990), conducting various P&I, H&M and Cargo surveys on all vessel-types before joining Seaborne Agencies Pte Ltd in 1990.

Capt. Shanmugam has appeared as an Expert Witness in various Arbitration matters as well as having provided technical aid for leading local counsels in various Maritime Disputes that have escalated on a legal level.

Qualifications:

• Certificate of Competency Class 1 (Singapore)

• Diploma in Nautical Studies - Singapore Polytechnic