In mid 1986, he joined the newly-formed salvage department of the Dubai based company, IMS, which had been set up to provide salvage services during the Iran-Iraq “Tanker War”. With control of a fleet of 6 salvage vessels, he was instrumental in the successful conclusion of some 30 difficult and dangerous operations, sometimes under attack, and including one case which to this day, remains the largest naphtha fire ever extinguished. The company enjoyed great success and respect and established a reputation as a dedicated and professional salvor as a result of his efforts over this 3 year period. 

After the Iran-Iraq War ended, he joined SEMCO, the largest salvage company East of Suez and part of the Sembawang Corporation. He was involved in a wide range of marine work, which in addition to salvage operations, included ocean towage, heavy lift operations, offshore platform load-outs, rig shifts and specialised marine transportation projects.

In 1993 he took a year out from work to study for his Extra Masters certificate. This was an intensive 1 year course covering Maths, Physics, Mechanics & Statistics, Navigation, Maritime Law, Electronic Navigation Systems, Marine Environmental Studies and Naval Architecture. He was the only student to pass the examinations that year, and was the youngest person ever to have achieved this qualification.

 In early 1995, he joined US based Titan Maritime who were looking to expand their interests in Europe, Africa & Far East and help expand the company’s business from predominantly wreck removal into traditional marine salvage. Travelling worldwide, he inspected a wide variety of casualties, preparing operational plans, pricing and tendering for work with Underwriters, P&I Clubs, Shipowners, Government Agencies and Port Authorities. He was responsible for the successful conclusion of numerous high profile and challenging projects. Over a 12 year period, he played an important part in helping develop a relatively small regional wreck removal contractor into one of the top 4 international salvage companies.

Capt. Stirling has experience in excess of 200 major salvage, towage and wreck removal operations in a number of roles, but predominantly as salvage master.

Capt. Stirling has been appointed to the SCR Panel.

Capt. Stirling has been elected as a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and is a
Member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. (HCMM)

There are very few people in the industry today who can claim to have the same high level of professional qualifications combined with such wide-ranging practical experience.

Captain David Stirling Ex.C  FNI

Capt. Stirling went to sea at the age of 16, and quickly made his way through the ranks, working on a wide variety of ships, including 5 years serving on the largest and most powerful salvage tugs in the world, and alternating between sea-time and study until he passed his masters license in 1985 at the age of 26.

He then chose to specialise in the field of commercial marine salvage with Singapore based SELCO and was given his first command in early 1986.