Isabel Triggs
Portsmouth,Hampshire
Summary
A collaborative and proactive professional, experienced in working with regulators and cross-sector partners to deliver practical and sustainable solutions. As a Project Engineer, I have delivered complex subsea cable projects across UK and international waters, with a strong focus on environmental considerations, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing project lifecycles, supported by a solid foundation in marine biology and field survey experience. Passionate about the ocean, I advocate for collaborative approaches that balance socio-economic needs with environmental responsibility.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Project engineer
Red Penguin Marine
Portsmouth, Hampshire
2022.11 - Current
- Managed multiple international subsea cable projects, including feasibility studies, operations and maintenance, construction, and decommissioning phases.
- Delivered detailed feasibility studies for global cable routes across international and territorial waters, incorporating site visit data, environmental constraints, and local permitting requirements.
- Supported the acquisition of permits and licenses within UK waters, liaising with the Marine Management Organisation and The Crown Estate, and coordinating with stakeholders to minimise project risks and delays.
- Collaborated with Natural Resources Wales through workshops to improve permitting processes, promote knowledge-sharing, and highlight the environmental and socio-economic importance of subsea cable infrastructure.
- Developed a comprehensive repair preparedness plan for an interconnector in a challenging geographic region, improving response readiness and operational resilience.
- Acted as Offshore Client Representative, overseeing environmental and geophysical surveys, monitoring cable installation loads, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and HSE standards.
- Delivered presentations at industry conferences to audiences of 250+ attendees, contributing to sector development and promoting early-career engagement.
- Led multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.
- Mentored a junior engineer, supporting their technical development and progression.
- Consistently delivered projects on schedule while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
- Conducted site visits to assess feasibility, identify constraints, and inform future project opportunities.
- Reviewed technical designs, plans, and reports to ensure compliance with specifications and defined scopes of work.
Co-Chair of Next Generation Subgroup
European Subsea Cable Association
2024.03 - 2026.03
- Co-founded the initiative to address industry skills gaps and improve accessibility for early-career professionals.
- Helped grow the subgroup to over 100 members across 30+ companies within two years, building a strong cross-industry network.
- Organised and hosted monthly “lunch and learn” sessions with industry experts, supporting continuous professional development.
- Coordinated site visits across the UK, partnering with subsea cable companies to provide members with exposure to different areas of the industry.
- Developed a structured skills framework and competency workbook to track member development and identify training needs.
- Delivered over 20 university outreach sessions to raise awareness of the subsea cable industry and attract new talent.
- Supported the organisation of a cable awareness workshop, creating opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and industry engagement.
Research Project Supervisor
Operation Wallacea
Honduras
2025.06 - 2025.09
- Appointed Research Project Supervisor with Operation Wallacea, leading a marine ecology project monitoring sea urchin populations across multiple dive sites in Honduras.
- Designed and implemented underwater survey methodologies (including belt transects and quadrats) aligned with historical datasets to ensure continuity and data reliability.
- Led teams of up to four research divers, planning dive schedules, transect locations, and managing in-water safety across varying and challenging ocean conditions.
- Successfully completed over 70 transects, collecting ecological data on benthic composition, fish identification, echinoderm counts, and habitat assessments.
- Utilised underwater cameras and dive slates for accurate in situ data collection and documentation. Managed onshore data processing, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting of findings.
- Supervised and supported two undergraduate dissertation students during a six-week field program, providing academic guidance alongside operational and pastoral support.
Waitress supervisor
The Manor House at Quorn
Quorn, Leicestershire
2015.08 - 2022.08
- Progressed from Waitress to Supervisor, reflecting strong performance and leadership capability.
- Managed sections serving 100+ customers during peak periods, ensuring efficient service and a high-quality customer experience.
- Handled cash transactions and end-of-shift reconciliations with a high degree of accuracy.
- Oversaw floor operations, supporting team coordination and maintaining service standards.
- Ensured compliance with UK licensing laws and health & safety regulations.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, improving satisfaction and retention.
Carer
Phillip Churm
Loughborough, Leicestershire
2015.01 - 2019.08
- Provided dedicated care for a young adult with mobility and neurological disabilities, supporting daily living activities and promoting independence.
- Delivered high-quality personal care alongside emotional and social support, while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Held an enhanced DBS certification for both child and adult workforce roles.
- Progressed to a supervisory role, recognised for reliability and quality of care, and was responsible for training and supporting new team members.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Aquatic Biology
University Portsmouth
Portsmouth 2022.09 - 2023.09
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 2019.09 - 2022.07
A-Levels - Biology, Psychology and History
West Bridgeford Sixth Form
Nottinghamshire 2017.09 - 2018.08
Skills
Certifications & Training
- STCW (valid until 2028)
- PADI Divemaster
- PADI Specialties: AWARE Shark Conservation Diver; Project Aware Survey Diver
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- Advanced GIS Course
- Line Management Training
- Full UK Driving Licence
Technical & Professional Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) across Mac and Windows platforms
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) – data handling and spatial analysis
- Laboratory and field-based data collection and analysis
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Effective team collaboration in multidisciplinary environments
Accomplishments
Innovation Catalyst Award – European Subsea Cable Association (2026)
- Awarded £2,000 grant to attend and present at the International Cable Protection Committee Conference (Athens)
- Delivered a presentation on the synergy between power and telecom cables in repair scenarios, highlighting cross-industry collaboration and innovative engineering design approaches
Timeline
Research Project Supervisor
Operation Wallacea
2025.06 - 2025.09
Co-Chair of Next Generation Subgroup
European Subsea Cable Association
2024.03 - 2026.03
Project engineer
Red Penguin Marine
2022.11 - Current
Master of Science - Applied Aquatic Biology
University Portsmouth
2022.09 - 2023.09
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Portsmouth
2019.09 - 2022.07
A-Levels - Biology, Psychology and History
West Bridgeford Sixth Form
2017.09 - 2018.08
Waitress supervisor
The Manor House at Quorn
2015.08 - 2022.08
Carer
Phillip Churm
2015.01 - 2019.08