Meet Our Team

Harnessing the expertise and experience of our team, we are committed to guiding our partners toward success by delivering impactful, high-quality consultancy and training solutions that ensure safer, more efficient marine operations.

Safe Harbours Australia brings together a team of highly regarded marine pilots to offer exceptional consultancy services. We aim to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including ports, shipping companies, insurance firms, legal experts, and marine training organisations, with the shared goal of improving the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of port and maritime activities.

Iain Shirley

Captain Matt Shirley

matt.shirley@safeharbours.com.au

Commenced at Sea:

July 1991 

Commenced Pilotage:

May 2004 

Pilotage Licenses:

  • Gove  
  • Townsville  
  • Abbot Point 
  • Lucinda  
  • Port Hedland 

Qualifications:

  • Master Class 1 Unlimited 
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Studies), AMC, 1995 
  • Cert 4 in Assessment 
  • Commencement of Diploma in Frontline Management 
  • Simulation and Assessment (AMPI / Jan Hedegard) 2015 
  • Certificate in Marine Claims, Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, 2024 
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment 2024 

 

 

 

 

Craig Eastaugh

Captain Craig Eastaugh

craig.eastaugh@safeharbours.com.au

Commenced at Sea:

January 1985

Commenced Pilotage:

January 2000

Pilotage Licences:

  • Port Stanvac (SPM and product jetty)
  • Bell Bay & Launceston
  • Devonport
  • Port Hedland

Qualifications:

  • Master Class 1 Unlimited
  • MBA (Maritime & Logistics Management) AMC 2008
  • Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) TCCI 2004
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Studies), AMC, 1988
  • Simulation and Assessment (AMPI / Jan Hedegard) 2015
  • Effective use of tugs for pilots and exempt masters - Escort Towage, Seaways, 2022
  • Effective Use of Tugs for Pilots & Exempt Masters – Harbour Towage, Seaways, 2022
  • Practical Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis, DNV, 2024
  • Certificate in Marine Claims, Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, 2024
Marco Blanco

Captain Marco Blanco

marco.blanco@safeharbours.com.au

Commenced at Sea:

January 1990 

Commenced Pilotage:

2011 

Pilotage Licences:

  • Port Kembla  
  • Port Hedland 

Tug Master: 

Svitzer Sydney 2001-2011 

Qualifications: 

  • Master Class 1 Unlimited 
  • Master of Business Administration, Southern Cross University (Commenced 2023) 
  • Bachelor of Business (Marketing & Economics), Southern Cross University, 2005 
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Studies), AMC, 1993 
  • Certificate in Marine Claims, Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, 2024 
Shaun Boot

Captain Shaun Boot

shaun.boot@safeharbours.com.au

Commenced at Sea:

January 1992 

Commenced Pilotage:

January 2010 

Pilotage Licences:

  • Townsville 
  • Port Hedland
  • Newcastle 

Qualifications:

  • Master Class 1 Unlimited 
  • Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Studies), AMC, 1995 
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Logistics) - Undergraduate