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Staff Profile

Neil Armstrong

Captain

Background

Research Vessel Master

Newcastle University

September 2006–Present


As Master of RV Princess Royal, I am responsible for planning and delivering marine research and survey projects for Newcastle University. I also coordinate and manage commercial vessel charters, providing survey services for external clients.

My role includes the day-to-day management of the vessel, covering maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, administration, crew management and the safe execution of operations at sea.

I have extensive practical experience in:


  • Research and survey project planning and management
  • Sediment sampling using Van Veen and Day grabs
  • Otter and beam trawling
  • Potting
  • Gill and trammel netting
  • Water sampling
  • Multibeam hydrographic surveys
  • Bird and marine mammal surveys
  • Fish surveys
  • Acoustic data collection for marine mammal research
  • Environmental impact assessment surveys for offshore and coastal projects
  • Vessel noise impact assessment surveys
  • Vessel systems monitoring
  • Supporting undergraduate, master’s and PhD research projects at sea


These operations have been conducted in offshore and coastal waters, estuaries and river systems.


Previous Experience

Trawler Skipper and Owner

Self-employed

July 1987–May 2009


I began working aboard vessels operated by my family’s fishing business and first took command of our 20-metre trawler at the age of 18. Between 2004 and 2009, I owned and operated my own commercial fishing vessel as an independent business.

I have extensive knowledge and practical experience of trawling, seining—including fly-shooting—potting, gill netting and drift netting in both inshore and offshore waters. I remain actively involved in my family’s fishing operations aboard trawling and shellfish vessels.


Qualifications and Certification


  • Certificate of Competency: Deck Officer Class 1 (Fishing Vessel), Unrestricted — held since 1999
  • RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, Commercially Endorsed
  • RYA National Powerboat Level 2
  • Personal Survival Techniques
  • HIAB Operator
  • Ship Captain’s Medical
  • First Aid
  • Seafish Engine Watchkeeper
  • ENG1 Medical Certificate