Professor/Captain Frederick Francis
Hon Professor, Master Mariner, LLM
Founder Commodore and President of the World Maritime Heritage Society
Professional Experience
A veteran seafarer, educator, consultant and researcher with a focused range of expertise.
Started sea career as a deck cadet officer and rose up the ranks to master at the age of 29.
Commanded nine ships before stepping ashore and joined the Singapore Polytechnic.
Under a scholarship, read law in the UK and awarded distinction for the dissertation (salvage). Currently, the Assistant Centre Director of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety, Singapore Polytechnic and hold several other portfolios at the Singapore Maritime Academy.
Provides international consultancy, leads and serves on several professional bodies. Current president of the Singapore Nautical Institute, and the World Maritime Heritage Society, and serves on the Mission to Seafarers Singapore and the Maritime Law Association of Singapore. Written eight books including Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore (co-author for Shipping), Guide to Safe Navigation in the Singapore Strait, and History of Singapore – Islands and Islanders.
Served as an IMO/ASEAN Legal Advisor/Consultant on Maritime Legislation and Safety Besides having developed many training schemes and courses, including the NOL-NSSPL cadet shipboard training scheme, was also a research scientist on the marine environment creating underwater reef gardens to enhance the marine flora and fauna in Singapore waters.
Areas of Expertise
Consultant, Investigator and Expert Witness for legal disputes (litigation, arbitration & mediation)
Expert Analyst and apportionment of blame for Collisions (Principal author of collision law for Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore). Learning Architect, Career and Life Skills Trainer and Coach.
Professional Qualifications
Master Mariner – Certificate of Competency Class 1 Foreign Going unlimited (Australia) Master of Laws [LL.M] – Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs (UK)
Honorary Professor – Far Eastern State– Institute of Lifelong Learning (Singapore) Technical Fisheries University (Russia)
Associate Adult Educator – Institute of Lifelong Learning (Singapore)
Awards & Recognitions
2021: Panel member (vessels) MINDEF Requisition of Resources Compensation Board 2021: Editorial Council – International Journal of Education, Culture & Society, USA.
2020: Judging panel – Asia Legal Business SE Asia Law Awards 2020
2019: National Day Award – Long Service Medal (25 years – Ministry of Education)
2019: Singapore Red Cross Champion of Champions Award (150 blood donations)
2018: Reference Group for Dialogic Teaching and Learning – Institute for Adult Learning
2017: Ministry of Education – Service to Education Award (School Advisory Board)
2016: NCSS (Social Service) Long Service Award – invaluable service to Mission to Seafarers
2015: Ministry of Education Innergy Bronze Award (SMA-Russia-Brunei project)
2006: SP RnD Commendation Award (designer and project leader – SEACIL)
2004: SP Creative & Innovation Award (invented Insert Biological Sump Filtration)
2000-2004: Panel Member (vessels) Ministry of Defence - Requisition of Resources Board
1997: Steven Covey 7-Habits of Highly Effective Leaders – Golden Goose Award
1994: Port of Singapore Authority Commendable Act Award (rescue at sea)
1993: USCG (United States Coast Guard) Public Service Commendation (rescue at sea)
1981: Outstanding Soldier Award – Republic of Singapore Navy (national service)
1979: Best Recruit (Basic Military Training) – Singapore Armed Forces
Community Contribution
2021: Regular blood donor – currently donated 176 times with Health Science Authority
2020: Creator and Organising Chairman – Tribute to our Heroes at Sea (international level)
2019: SG Bicentennial From Singapore to Singaporean – Story teller and tour guide
2017-19: History of Singapore, Voyage of Discovery for pre-schoolers – Creator & storyteller
2015: SG50 – Mission RASI (Row around Singapore Island) – i/c route and risk assessment, plus many other initiatives including Project leader & designer of enhancing marine flora & fauna at Labrador waters, set-up and ran Maritime Silk Road Heritage Centre at Sentosa BW, SG50 Charity Swim at Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Heritage Festival participant, Splash for Cash – organised 24-hour Charity Swims at the Tanglin Club (convenor), Flag day, beach clean-up etc.