Rob Loder
Biography
After training in heavy engineering ashore, Rob Loder joined the merchant navy and served as an able seaman and motorman while completing a rating to officer conversion course. Upon qualifying Rob was promoted to engineer officer and served on a variety of vessels including oil tankers, cable ships, ferries and superyachts; and attained the rank of chief engineer.
Rob moved into fleet management and then into ship repair, ship build supervision and project management. After a period of consultancy to the marine industry Rob joined the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in 2020 as an inspector, progressing to principal inspector and then deputy chief inspector before taking up his current role in 2026.
Rob is a chartered engineer, marine engineer, and a fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents leads the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch and reports directly to the Secretary of State for Transport.
They are personally responsible for:
- the conduct of marine accident investigations
- overseeing the UK’s role in investigating marine accidents
- satisfying all stakeholders that marine accidents have been thoroughly investigated