FRANCIS DEXTER HENRY
Portsmouth,UK
Summary
Accomplished Naval Engineer with 20 years of progressive experience across destroyers and submarines, rising from Able Rate to Lieutenant. Expert in the operation, maintenance, and management of complex mechanical, electrical, and automated marine systems, including fuel, hydraulic, chilled water, gas turbine, diesel generation, fresh-water production, and sewage treatment systems. Proven leader with experience directing engineering teams of up to 40 personnel on £1bn+ high-voltage platforms, ensuring safety, reliability, and operational readiness. Strong record in enforcing Safe Systems of Work, conducting engineering investigations, and delivering improvements that enhance safety and prevent recurrence of incidents. Recognised for technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving, combined with a consistent ability to mentor, motivate, and develop engineering personnel. A dependable, adaptable professional committed to engineering excellence and delivering high-performance outcomes in demanding operational environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6061
6061
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Marine Systems Engineer
Royal Navy
Portsmouth, Hampshire
01.2006 - 01.2026
- Led engineering teams of up to 40 personnel on £1bn Type 45 destroyer, overseeing propulsion, auxiliary, and high-voltage systems valued millions.
- Directed preventative and corrective maintenance across mechanical, electrical, and automated systems, improving reliability and reducing unplanned downtime.
- Managed the ship’s Safe System of Work, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, environmental standards, and high-voltage safety protocols.
- Conducted engineering incident investigations as an Investigating Officer, producing reports and recommendations that strengthened safety culture and prevented recurrence.
- Oversaw risk assessments for complex engineering activities, enhancing operational safety during high-pressure operations.
- Delivered technical leadership during emergencies, coordinating engineering responses that protected personnel, equipment, and platform integrity.
- Mentored and developed junior engineers, fostering a culture of professionalism, continuous learning, and engineering excellence.
- Supported vessel commissioning, including factory acceptance tests, system trials, and documentation reviews to ensure readiness and compliance.
- Managed engineering documentation, maintenance records, and regulatory reporting to support audits, inspections, and long-term asset management.
- Collaborated with command teams to plan engineering work packages, optimise maintenance schedules, and ensure mission readiness.
Education
High Voltage Authorising Engineer - HV AE
HMS Sultan Defence School of Marine Engineering
Portsmouth, UKCMI Level 6 Award - Management & Leadership
Chartered Management Institute
UKBachelor of Science - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, UKNVQ Level 3 - Naval Marine Electrical Engineering
City & Guilds
London, UKNVQ Level 2 - F-Gas & ODS Regulations
City & Guilds
London, UKFoundation Degree in Science - Marine System Engineering
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United KingdomNVQ Level 3 - Engineering Maintenance (Electrical)
City & Guilds
London, UKSkills
Technical Engineering
- Marine mechanical & electrical systems
- High-voltage systems & safety
- Propulsion & auxiliary machinery
- Diagnostics & fault-finding
- Preventative & corrective maintenance
- Hydraulic, pneumatic & fuel systems
- Seawater/freshwater systems
- Waste management & environmental compliance
Leadership & Management
- Training, mentoring & development
- Engineering investigations
- Project planning & coordination
- Stakeholder communication
- Crisis & emergency response
Safety & Compliance
- Safe System of Work (SSOW)
- Risk assessments & hazard mitigation
- Maritime regulations
- Incident reporting & corrective actions
- Health & Safety management
Websites
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Available on request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Security cleared
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- High resilience under pressure
- Committed to ethical standards and professional conduct
- Experienced in multinational and joint-service environments
Timeline
Marine Systems Engineer
Royal Navy
01.2006 - 01.2026
CMI Level 6 Award - Management & Leadership
Chartered Management Institute
NVQ Level 3 - Naval Marine Electrical Engineering
City & Guilds
NVQ Level 2 - F-Gas & ODS Regulations
City & Guilds
NVQ Level 3 - Engineering Maintenance (Electrical)
City & Guilds
High Voltage Authorising Engineer - HV AE
HMS Sultan Defence School of Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering
University of Portsmouth
Foundation Degree in Science - Marine System Engineering
University of Portsmouth