After initially planning an offshore career, Andrew embarked on agency work with Seistech and began to build a team. Following its acquisition by Atlas Professionals he was eventually promoted to UK Operations Director, responsible for the survey, ROV and seismic supply offices. He relocated to Singapore, where he was inspired to establish Elevate Offshore – and in the process create an agency that does things differently.

Andrew has overall responsibility for the commercial strategy and direction of the company, but most of all enjoys involvement in day-to-day operations, meeting people and delivering on their expectations.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Dealing with all kinds of people, and trying my best to look after their interests. That’s what we’re all about – people.’

And outside of work…

‘I enjoy sports. I used to box a little, then played rugby for many years until an injury put an end to that, so now I try to play golf. Silly game really.’

Yana began as a contract receptionist with UTEC Survey Asia Pte Ltd before being offered a permanent role in its operations team, building knowledge in both offshore personnel and equipment. She went on to grow her skills in the recruitment of dive, ROV and survey personnel with Hallin Marine, then became a marine-focused Personnel Co-ordinator with Atlas Professionals. She then moved into the Account Manager role for survey and later, Team Leader in Singapore.

Yana, who joined Elevate Offshore as Operations Assistant alongside Managing Director Andrew Blears, now leads the operations team in Singapore.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘The rush of adrenaline and joy that comes with each successful placement and mobilisation. And making new acquaintances and meeting new people along the way, not knowing if it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.’

And outside of work…

‘I have a strong interest in interior decorating and DIY projects. And something that others find interesting is that despite initially studying mechanical engineering, I later took a degree in biomedical sciences, majoring in cancer research because I wanted to learn more about the disease.’

Possessing a degree in Marine Studies – Merchant Shipping (Nautical Studies) and qualified as an Officer of the Watch, Jack initially worked on various vessel types for Sealion Shipping in the Toisa fleet – the latter involving anchor chain inspection, platform supply and ROV inspection work. After taking time out to complete further maritime qualifications, Jack later began in office work as he supported contract survey personnel in pursuit of their next job.

Today he applies his experience to support the UK team, while working with clients to find the best personnel for their projects and contractors to find the best job to suit their skills.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Supporting clients and contractors as they work on what are essentially life-critical projects – building new offshore wind farms, connecting the world via cable, sustaining oil & gas infrastructure and maintaining safe seaways for ships to carry goods around the globe.’

And outside of work…

‘Two kids keep us busy, as did a recent house-building project, but I still love being in or on the sea whenever I can – whether it’s surfing, sailing, swimming or paddling any sort of craft.’

A Maritime Studies graduate, Tony worked offshore for 25 years in roles ranging from Surveyor to Survey Party Chief across campaigns that included field development projects, flexible installations, metrology and multipurpose ROV survey support.

Tony joined Elevate Offshore last year and is involved in day-to-day operations and recruitment activities, developing relationships with survey and construction clients and contractors based in the Euro region. His role also covers business development and training.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Developing contractors’ careers, providing training opportunities and attaining good placements/rates. And I get great satisfaction from enabling clients to complete difficult projects around the world. I also enjoy the social aspect of the role….networking, meeting new people and the opportunity to follow industry developments.’

And outside of work…

‘Not quite outside of work, but I did fill an entire Seaman’s Book of vessel stamps before moving onshore!

Away from the job, I’m passionate about music and the environment. I’m married with two beautiful kids, and am a carer for my daughter Poppy who has disabilities.’

Gary has accumulated 40 years’ experience across a wide spectrum of survey projects in all environments – land, swamp, river, jungle and sea – and on most continents. He followed up almost 25 years of fieldwork in most survey disciplines with operations roles and leadership responsibilities.

His role with Elevate Offshore is to support recruitment efforts and personnel placements that directly align with project scopes of work.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Throughout my career, the most memorable element of the work has revolved around dealing with personnel from multiple cultures and languages, and meeting many great characters.’

And outside of work…

‘Travel dominates my off time; I’ve visited about 25% of the world’s countries and I’m still counting. I’ve also managed to take part in AND COMPLETE half marathons on numerous trips for fun!’

Sharifah worked as a flight attendant and hotel concierge after completing her studies, then joined a recruitment agency in 2018.

Her roles with Elevate Offshore include participation in recruitment activities, maintaining an overview of personnel availability and consulting with clients on vacancies.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Speaking with professionals and connecting them to assignments. I can obtain more knowledge and understand their work better by talking to them. I adore socialising and getting to know new people.’

And outside of work…

‘I’m someone who loves food and am always ready to try new recipes! It gives me a sense of satisfaction. And having recently earned my Specialist Diploma in Aviation Management while juggling work and a three-year-old son, I’d like to continue my studies again soon.’

Spanning nearly two decades,  Jodie started her journey in the offshore industry in 2006, providing logistic support at Seistech. After a brief hiatus in 2010 for the birth of her son, she rejoined the workforce, landing at Atlas Professionals which had by then acquired Seistech. Over the years, Jodie has navigated through a spectrum of roles, including Admin Ops Support, Personal Coordinator, Account Manager, and Senior Account Manager, ultimately ascending to the position of Team Lead.

At Elevate Offshore, Jodie is a pivotal player in our business development team, crafting relationships and broadening our network. She oversees recruitment operations, from job placement and sourcing to confirming candidates with clients. Her responsibilities also encompass coordinating with external agencies and managing the mobilisation and demobilisation of contract staff. She is a certified Apprentice in Learning and Mentor Level 3

Favourite thing about the job…

‘The joy of working with people, assisting contractors in identifying the perfect job, and influencing positive career trajectories motivates me daily.’ 

And outside of work…

‘Off the clock, I cherish time spent with my three children, my husband, and my dog.’

Shidah began as a receptionist with oil and gas company Hallin Marine and built her career, ultimately assuming the role of Crewing Team Leader with the Marine Department. She then became an Office Manager with DISA International.

She decided to re-focus on administrative work and today performs key duties in that discipline for Elevate Offshore.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘Meeting people from all walks of life, and getting to learn more about the offshore industry.’

And outside of work…

‘I’m married with three children and love listening to music.’

Elizabeth started as a crewing assistant with Swire, assisting with administrative work for Masters before moving to the training department and supporting the creation of training plans for all seafarers.

Today she is primarily assisting with administrative duties, ranging from flight bookings to visa applications.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘I find that people in the offshore industry are always colourful and have interesting stories to tell about their life onboard. It’s always nice to hear about their experiences working on different projects.’

And outside of work…

‘I enjoy travelling to different countries together with my husband; it’s always exciting to see and experience different cultures.’

Gemma began with Seistech as Logistics Co-ordinator and continued in the role when it was taken over by Atlas Professionals. She went on to become an Account Manager, dealing with seismic personnel before assuming similar responsibilities in survey, then became a Personnel Co-ordinator.

Gemma joined Elevate Offshore in 2022 and has responsibilities that span day-to-day operations and recruitment activities, as well as logistics, contractor engagement and merchandise.

Favourite thing about the job…

‘I like the fact that, even after so many years, every day is different.’

And outside of work…

‘Since having my son most of my time outside of work is spent ferrying him around to clubs and parties!’