UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Marquis Who's Who honors Graham William Archer for his distinguished career and lifelong contributions to marine engineering, encompassing all aspects of both ship and offshore structures, as well as class and regulatory compliance, surveying and consultancy. With many decades of experience, Mr. Archer has established himself as a leading authority in maritime safety, auditing and a variety of international marine consultancy.
About Graham William Archer
Currently, Mr. Archer serves as the president, principal surveyor, principal auditor and expert witness at GWA International Marine & Industrial Consultants LLC, a company he founded in 2014. He specializes in reviewing vessels and fleets for shipping companies, conducting independent audits as required by the United States Coast Guard and ensuring compliance with evolving maritime regulations. His work prevents costly violations and promotes operational safety across global fleets. He also provides guidance on environmental compliance related to pollution control, ensuring ships adhere to international standards governing oily water discharge and other waste management systems. He is also still involved in salvage and maritime-related insurance claims and related issues on an as-needed basis.
Before establishing his firm, Mr. Archer worked for the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) from 1990 to 2005, where he became one of the first professionals to specialize in International Ship Management (ISM) system auditing. He conducted type approval audits and served as a security auditor, having trained under a senior specialist in Singapore. Known for his ability to translate complex engineering concepts into practical solutions, Mr. Archer also assisted the U.S. Department of Justice as an expert witness in pollution-related cases. His insights into shipboard systems and regulatory procedures helped clarify critical technical issues for legal teams and government agencies.
During his career, Mr. Archer held key surveying roles at the Salvage Association (now Braemar) and Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), one of the most prestigious shipping companies in the United Kingdom. Joining P&O as a young cadet, he quickly advanced through the ranks to become a chief engineer when he was barely 26, operating and overseeing vessels exceeding 400,000 tons. His early experiences navigating the mechanical and environmental complexities of ocean liners set the foundation for his later achievements in surveying and auditing and in marine safety.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Archer is best known for his work on an offshore oil rig project in Russia and Kazakhstan. Representing ABS, he served as the sole surveyor on site, overseeing construction and certification for what became the largest gas reserve discovery in the Caspian Sea. The project required forward-looking safety features, including heated ballast tanks (fitted with strain gauge monitoring), a complex air supply system featuring automatic shutdown of fans and vents, a plumed in-air breathing system throughout the rig, and special Arctos survival crafts capable of navigating both frozen and open water. His leadership in extreme conditions underscored his technical mastery and commitment to safety under pressure.
Another interesting project for ABS was to witness the construction of and issue the certification for the prototype Navy SEALs Mark V special craft. Mr. Archer also conducted several shipyard assessment audits when working for the Salvage Association, including one in Chile for the refurbishment and upgrading of a pair of submarines. While there was an average threat of earthquakes in the area during the audit, a significant earthquake struck the following year. Mr. Archer was tasked with assessing the damage in the shipyard.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Archer has earned approximately 30 maritime safety and engineering certificates from ABS and other organizations. He is also a member of several professional groups, including the Institute of Marine Engineers, the Marine Club of New Orleans, the Society of Port Engineers in San Francisco, the Masons and the Grotto associated with the Shriners. His early achievements include receiving the Best Cadet of the Year award while serving in the Air Cadets, where he also earned recognition as a marksman and glider pilot at age 15.
A Hands-On Approach Both Professionally and Personally
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Archer enjoys a variety of pursuits that reflect his meticulous and hands-on nature. He manages properties, organizes spaces, refurbishes homes and travels across the country in his RV. He also enjoys reducing clutter and engaging with maritime peers to share stories and insights from his decades at sea.
Looking ahead, Mr. Archer plans to continue consulting within the maritime field while considering opportunities to teach and mentor future marine engineers. He also intends to write a book chronicling his experiences, from his early days with P&O and ABS to his work on leading engineering projects around the world. Although semi-retired, Mr. Archer remains dedicated to supporting the next generation of professionals who will carry forward the standards of excellence and integrity that have defined his career.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians, and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
Marquis Who's Who
Uniondale, NY
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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who
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