The Big Questions: Bob Cripps

With a degree in Ship Science from the University of Southampton, Bob Cripps FRINA has worked at Lloyd’s Register, the RNLI, VT Halmatic, BAE Systems and Longitude Engineering. He is now a director at RMC Projects, Manor Marine and a non-exec director at Chartwell Marine. He was vice chair and Trustee on the RINA Board and currently chairs the RINA Maritime Innovation Committee.

Why did you choose naval architecture?

My grandparents lived in Portsmouth, and I stayed with them during the holidays, watching liners such as the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and the United States sail up the Solent to Southampton. I also went to Navy Days in Portsmouth Dockyard with my grandfather, who had worked there, and that is where my fascination with ships and boats began. A degree in Ship Science at Southampton felt like a logical step, and a year in a small boat consultancy proved invaluable.

What did 11 years at Lloyd’s Register teach you?

The importance of a classification society, and the need to check the detail and safety implications of a design, in plan approval, surveys and new design work.

What kept you at the RNLI for 18 years?

It was probably the best job a naval architect could have. I had a unique opportunity to transform the RNLI fleet for the 21st century. When I joined, they were building 8knot wooden lifeboats, and 18 years later, 25knot lifeboats in advanced composites. We also developed