His experience in the maritime industry now spans more than 33 years. Starting in 1983, he served at sea on international-trading general cargo, bulk, container, ro-ro and ro-pax high speed craft for over 20 years, the last years as master. Amongst others, he served with South African Marine Corporation, Gearbulk, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia and Virtu Ferries.
Ashore, Joe held the posts of Port and Flag State Inspector and later, Marine Superintendent, Fleet Manager and Director of a fleet of ships which included tankers, offshore supply vessels and ro-pax high speed craft.
In his career ashore, Joe was involved in conversions of ships into oil recovery vessels for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), new buildings, dry-dockings, chartering, personnel recruitment & training and insurance claims handling. He also served as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO).
In recent years, in addition to marine surveying and consultancy work, he also lectured on approved STCW subjects which included ship stability and construction, orals, crises management & human behavior and business & law at OOW, Chief Mates and Masters levels.
Joe is a trainer for Det Norske Veritas-Germanischer Lloyd (DNVGL), running courses on Accident Investigation in Shipping, Analysis & Root Cause, Marine Risk Assessment and Crowd & Crises Management.
Joe is frequently appointed as an assessor or investigating officer by the Law Courts and the Marine Safety Investigation Unit of Malta and has been involved in several recent high profile marine accident investigations. He is a member of the Malta Maritime Law Association, sitting on the Merchant Shipping, Salvage and Maritime Labour Convention sub committees.
Joe is appointed Government Surveyor for Malta and for St. Vincent & Grenadines.