Deep Sea Mining: Much To Gain...Much To Lose.
James A.R. McFarlane Biography
Mr. McFarlane has spent his career on or under the surface of the world's oceans.
His background includes international ocean policy development, undersea systems design and manufacturing, oceanographic research, marine operations, training, and business management. His experience in all facets of subsea development, research, and operations has provided him with a unique perspective on the marine environment and the stewardship of this natural resource. Mr. McFarlane is an experienced ROV pilot and has logged over 10,000 hours of piloting time, primarily for oceanographic research.
Mr. McFarlane's active involvement in the marine industry extends beyond his professional roles. He has served as the co-chairperson of the National Science Foundation, National Visiting Committee, for the Marine Advanced Technology Center (MATE) for education from 1999 to 2009. He has also been directly involved in numerous film, television, and documentary programs highlighting oceanographic research, education, and current news. He is a respected figure in the scientific oceanographic community and frequently speaks internationally at workshops and conferences. He is a Board Member of TMA Blue Tech and a member of the American Bureau of Shipping Underwater Vehicles and Systems Special Committee.
Mr. McFarlane commenced his subsea vehicle development and piloting career in 1979 when he started with International Submarine Engineering Ltd. From there he became an ROV pilot and technician in the offshore oil and gas industry, military mine counter measures and search and recovery operations. In 1987, Mr. McFarlane took his experience to Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) becoming the Chief ROV Pilot for MBARI’s VENTANA ROV. In 1997 he became Director, Technical Support with MBARI.
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In 2003, Mr. McFarlane formed McFarlane Marine Services, LLC a consulting company to support subsea technical system development and marine operations for a diverse client list. In 2007 he became Vice President, Sound Ocean Systems Inc., and was involved with, inter alia, design, manufacturing, business development and daily corporate operations.
In 2009 Mr. McFarlane became Head of the Office of Resources and Environmental Monitoring for the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica.
Mr. McFarlane is a member of the Marine Technology Society and a Fellow National of the Explorer’s Club. He is an experienced speaker and has been involved in the creation of many documentaries and educational videos on marine technology and its use in oceanographic research.