About Liberation Maritime

Jack Kitching is one of the founders of Liberation Maritime and a Master Mariner with extensive command experience. He has Lead Auditor training in ISM/ISPS and MLC compliance and is a member of the IIMS. Jack has commanded every high-speed passenger ferry currently operating in the Channel Islands area, making high-speed craft a particular specialism. His experience also spans RoPax, freight RoRo and large passenger vessels.

More recently, Jack has focused on shoreside operational management, introducing new vessels to established routes, launching vessels on new routes and helping establish entirely new companies. Through this work, he has seen the challenges that bringing a new ship into a fleet presents for businesses of every size, from start-ups to established global corporations.

Having managed these challenges first-hand, both as Master and as Operations Manager ashore, Jack understands the full scope of work involved. His experience ranges from streamlining Safety Management System processes to negotiating subsidy agreements with local governments. At Liberation Maritime, he draws on this practical knowledge to help your business anticipate potential pitfalls and navigate them with confidence.

Giles is a highly experienced Master Mariner with over 30 years of seagoing experience across a diverse range of vessel types, including dry cargo ships, survey vessels, high-speed craft and conventional Ro-Pax ferries. He holds an Unlimited Master Mariner Certificate, alongside qualifications in Designated Person Ashore (DPA), ISM/ISPS/MLC Lead Auditing and ISO 19011 lead auditing.

With over 20 years of command experience, Giles brings extensive practical expertise in vessel compliance, maritime auditing, Safety Management System (SMS) development and implementation, pilotage, ship handling and crew training. His experience spans newbuild projects, international delivery voyages and the workboat sector, combining operational insight with a thorough understanding of maritime safety and regulatory compliance.

Giles is a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute (AFNI). Demonstrating his commitment to the maritime industry and its future generations, he actively participates in the Honourable Company’s mentoring scheme, providing guidance and professional support to young officers as they develop their skills and progress their careers within the industry.

He works with vessel owners and operators to deliver clear, pragmatic advice and effective compliance solutions, supporting safe, efficient vessel operations through a thorough understanding of both regulatory requirements and the realities of the shipboard environment.

Edward Stickley holds an MCA Master Mariner Unlimited Certificate of Competency and brings 20 years of maritime experience, including seven years in command of passenger ferries. His career spans high-speed craft, conventional Ro-Pax ferries and cruise ships, alongside shoreside operational fleet support.

Edd has practical experience in implementing Safety Management Systems, preparing for flag and port state inspections, leading crews, overseeing refits and delivering vessels internationally. He has also managed vessel flag and class changes and supported route planning and port coordination.

His qualifications include Bridge Resource Management training, Ship Safety and Security Officer certification, and course certificates in Designated Person Ashore (DPA), MLC, ISM and ISPS lead internal auditing, and ISO 19011 lead auditing.

At Liberation Maritime, Edward draws on this operational experience to help owners and operators strengthen safety, manage compliance and keep their vessels ready for service.