“Be the person that steps up and makes a difference”

From working as a sailing coach, to marine consultancy and running a commercial diving company specialised in subsea civil engineering, Stacey Rivers CMarTech FIMarEST is now working with BladeBUG to develop a robotic platform to inspect, repair and maintain onshore and offshore wind turbine blades.

1 Tell us about your early career.

A natural affinity and passion for water has undoubtably been my constant. My career kickstarted aged 17 from a scholarship and by the time I was 18, I was coaching members of the royal family to sail onboard the royal yacht Britannia. My career continued to be filled with exploration and adventure, re-developing eco resorts and rejuvenating marine habitats as a marine consultant in SE Asia; transforming marine companies through diversification strategies and business innovation; commercial diving, delivering yachts across the world as a professional sailor; project managing newbuilds and refits for sailing yachts and motor vessels; and directing operations for subsea projects. At 25 years old I started a commercial diving company specialising in subsea civil engineering, bio engineering and salvage projects. I am now working in renewable energy and robotics.

2 What is your current role? 

I currently work in a very exciting and challenging sector as business development and operations manager for an advanced robotics company on a mission to accelerate the green energy transition with our highly adaptable robotic platform to inspect, repair and maintain wind turbine blades.

3 Describe what the job entails.

With every day comes a new challenge and a new opportunity whether I am working out in the field testing our prototypes, showcasing our robots at an industry focused exhibition or best of all, engaging with end users during field trials as part of our early adopter pilot initiative. My operations role is hands on. Within the first few months I asked if I could help build one of the robots, plus I spend a lot of time around wind turbines in the middle of nowhere so it is important to be capable and dexterous. Implementing systems and processes that continually improve, refine and optimise our business and operations to be safe, efficient and effective are a big part of both roles as are the collaborations and partnerships that support a disruptive technology to transition from R&D to commercialisation. Needless to say, I wear many wonderful hats… some of which are hard with a chin strap!

4 How did you get to where you are now?

A strong work ethic with a sense of purpose and passion for driving positive change through innovation, technology, engineering and people.

5 What inspired you to work in marine technology – and why? 

Sailing at 60 knots in the Atlantic with a following sea, lifting a superyacht off the seabed with lift bags bigger than my kitchen, swimming alongside ocean giants in the Indian Ocean that we know so little about… the list is endless! I am very thankful for all those experiences that left me curious, exposed and vulnerable in challenging conditions and extreme environments which pushed me to find answers, deliver solutions and ask more questions!

6 And who influenced you in choosing marine technology?

I’ve had the privilege of meeting many wonderful influencers throughout my 27-year career in maritime, many of whom supported me through every tack and course change.

7 Why did you want to become a business development and operations manager?

I reached out to BladeBUG because I was naturally curious by their innovation and technology. I see huge potential and growth for robotics and automation across industry which will not only open up new opportunities for future generations, but also positively influence a cleaner, safer and more sustainable planet.

8 What are the biggest changes you are seeing right now?

With the huge growth and acceleration in offshore and floating wind to maintain efficient production of sustainable clean energy there has been an increasing focus towards technologies to meet the demands of future operations and maintenance (O&M).

9 And the challenges?

Our biggest challenge in the UK is finding receptive owner/operators with operational assets that support testing and trials. Having this level of support is pivotal for integrators and developers to validate disruptive technology and prove it is fit for commercial use so that it can meet the demands of future O&M.

10 Who do you most admire?

I admire people that are prepared to drive change and positively influence others to make a difference. The world is full of amazing people including all those that fall under the radar.

11 Tell us about your involvement with the IMarEST and what you get out of it.

The IMarEST has a really diverse offering which instantly attracted me. I have experience working across the commercial, leisure, offshore and renewable industry so having such a plethora of membership options, resources, communities and events really presents a remarkable opportunity for any marine professional.

12 What’s the best career advice you have been given?

Never undervalue yourself. Steer your own course and never be afraid to change direction. If you are passionate in everything you do, you will never work a single day in your life. After 27 years in the maritime industry… I am yet to start work.

13 And what advice do you give to those starting out their careers?

Believe in yourself, make the very most of every opportunity and learn from each experience. Be the person that steps up and makes a difference.

14 What's next for you?

Expanding my technical bandwidth and academic portfolio alongside new challenges that are exciting and impactful… watch this space!

Stacey Rivers CMarTech FIMarEST is business development and operations manager for BladeBUG, a robotic platform being developed to inspect, repair and maintain onshore and offshore wind turbine blades.

Find out more about IMarEST Fellowship and registration as a Chartered Marine Technologist.