He has worked in the maritime industry for over thirty years, beginning his career as a deck officer with Mobil Shipping Company and then moving up the ranks within HM Coastguard in such roles such as watch keeping, sector manager and station and sector officer. Hugh also served as district controller at for HM Coastguard, District Controller at Forth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre prior to becoming the MCA’s Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment, Hugh said, 'I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen for this key appointment and look forward to the exciting and challenging period that lies ahead. I am fully committed to working in cooperation with the maritime, offshore and salvage communities and all of the key Government Departments, Agencies and organisations likely to be involved in removing or reducing the risk to persons, property and the UK environment arising from marine accidents.'

Making the appointment, Shipping Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said, 'I am very pleased that someone has been appointed who already has such a wealth of knowledge of the role of SOSREP and we look forward to the benefit of Hugh's experience and advice. We wish Robin Middleton a very happy retirement and extend our very best wishes to him for the future, and thank him for his eight years of tireless service to the Agency and to the maritime industry.'

Robin Middleton was the first SOSREP and has been in post since October 1999. During that time he has been involved in over 650 incidents, and has set up 297 Salvage Control Units (SCUs) and served 52 Notices of Direction. He has also been involved with five Counter Terrorism/Maritime Protests and 17 major international/national exercises. After eight years with the Agency, Robin retires at the end of December.

By Jack Gaston