From land to sea and into the deep
A Year of Learning: My Journey into Marine Assurance
Ms. Suzan Brown has generously shared her reflections on her first year as a public relations specialist within a company dedicated to marine insurance services.
The Futureoftheocean team viewed her thoughtful insights as a kind of self‑interview and chose to present them to you in that spirit.
We invite you, the reader, to approach this piece the same way: as an unexpected and revealing look at our industry through the perspective of a communications professional who is only beginning to explore it—by working closely with the people who shape it every day.
A Few Questions People Often Ask Me
Future of the ocean Consulting: Your Partner in Business Growth
What has surprised you most about the marine industry?
The willingness of experienced professionals to share knowledge. I expected gatekeeping. Instead, I found generosity. People in this sector understand that safety and quality matter more than protecting your corner of expertise. That collaborative spirit has been remarkable.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Understanding the technical depth required. This is not an industry where surface-level knowledge suffices. When you are discussing DP trials or FMEA processes, you need to genuinely understand what you are talking about. The learning curve has been steep, but that is precisely what makes it worthwhile.
How do you approach business development in a sector you are still learning?
With honesty. I tell people where I am in my learning journey. I ask questions. I listen more than I speak. And I bring the Pirie & Smith team into conversations early, because their expertise is what truly matters. My role is to connect the right people and facilitate those relationships, not to pretend I have decades of marine experience.
What advice would you give someone entering a completely new industry?
Be humble. Ask questions. Respect the people who have built their careers in that field. Do not try to fake expertise you do not have. People can spot authenticity, and they can equally spot when someone is winging it. The former builds trust. The latter destroys it.
What keeps you motivated on difficult days?
The people. The offshore community has welcomed me with kindness and patience. When you are surrounded by professionals who care deeply about what they do, it is hard not to be motivated. Also, genuinely believing in the work Pirie & Smith does helps enormously. Independent technical assurance matters. It keeps people safe. That is not abstract. That is real.
Where do you see yourself in another year?
Still learning, but with a much deeper understanding of the sector. Still asking questions, but hopefully asking better ones. Still building relationships, but with a stronger foundation of knowledge to offer genuine value. This is not a short-term project for me. This is a long-term commitment to being part of this industry and doing it properly.
About the author:
Suzan Brown Fractional BDM 0131 2877 860
Pictures credits:
All images are courtesy of Ms. Suzan Brown, except the one below:
Hanging umbrella decors photo – Free Umbrella Image on Unsplash
Photo by Malte Bickel on Unsplash