FORMER TMC Marine executive and sometime Daily Cargo News contributor Captain John Silberberg has been appointed to a new position at Maritime New Zealand.
Launceston-born Capt. Silberberg, who left TMC late last year prior to the company’s dissolution, is now Maritime New Zealand’s chief technical advisor, based in Wellington.
With more than 30 years’ experience across the international maritime industry, Capt Silberberg leads the technical support function, with he and his teams providing expert advice throughout Maritime New Zealand, reporting directly to director/CEO Kirstie Hewlett but also advising the executive leadership team and board.
“John is a master mariner and safety specialist,” Maritime New Zealand said in a welcoming announcement.
“He has held senior roles across the Asia-Pacific region, managing teams, responding to major maritime incidents, and working closely with operators and regulators.
“The focus of his past work included the investigation of serious maritime casualties, supporting emergency responses, and acting as an expert witness.
“He also brings experience in making vessel operations safer, supporting crews, and helping organisations build safety systems that are practical and effective.
“As a master mariner, John held pilotage exemption certificates in seven different ports across Australia and New Zealand. His seagoing experience spans large ships and the offshore oil and gas industry.
“He takes a people-focused approach, placing value on understanding how work happens day-to-day and making sure safety systems genuinely support those on the front line.
“John is already working with teams across Maritime New Zealand to build strong connections with New Zealand’s wider maritime community — supporting consistent safety standards and focusing efforts where they will have the greatest impact — and looks forward to strengthening and expanding these relationships,” the organisation said.
Capt. Silberberg said he was excited about moving from the post-incident space to the pre-risk space: “It means I can help improve the overall safety of seafarers and the wider maritime industry. I’d had limited exposure to this work as a consultant, but now I can influence safety across the whole sector in NZ and contribute to change at an international level.
“I grew up in the maritime industry. My dad is a shipwright, so I was exposed to the industry from a young age. I understood early on the real-world consequences of incidents at sea, and that awareness has shaped my career and my approach to safety,” he told DCN.
“I see human error as something that emerges when parts of a system aren’t working as they should — not as the cause of an incident on its own. That’s why this role is such a good fit for me because it aligns with Maritime New Zealand’s regulatory approach. My focus is to look at the whole system behind an operation and make sure it’s fit for purpose and supports people to operate safely,” Capt. Silberberg said.
“My biggest opportunity to add value is bringing practical, real world seagoing experience into our decision making.”