We’re beginning 2026 by celebrating a fantastic milestone – Chris Wood has reached ten years with Safeguard Engineering.
Since joining Safeguard Engineering a decade ago, Chris has played an important role in its growth and is now Principal Aviation Consultant and Operations Manager of the commercial aviation team; Safeguard Helidecks. We spoke with Chris to find out how his role has evolved since joining us as one of the company’s first employees, what he enjoys most about his work and the achievements he’s most proud of…
Can you remember when you first started? What surprised you most when joining?
“I joined Safeguard Engineering in January 2016 following an interview with the Directors; Steve Vickery and Steve Beech.
Having recently left the Royal Navy, where I served as a Merlin Aircrewman and Winchman, I found the first year transitioning to civilian life to be a strange and vulnerable time. I was fortunate to spend a brief period within the Health and Safety Department at A&P Dockyard before moving on to Safeguard Engineering. What stood out to me most was how, despite the company being relatively small at the time, everyone was so driven and supportive.“
You joined as one of the first employees at Safeguard Engineering, how has your role evolved in the last 10 years?
“Over the last 10 years I’ve progressed through the business and am now a Principal Aviation Consultant and Operations Manager of Safeguard Helidecks.
I first started as a Safety Consultant and was involved in a variety of Safety Case work and MOD assessments, including International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Assessments, MOD Equipment Safety Cases, and Landing Ship Dock Auxiliary (LSDA) Temporary Aircraft Shelter Assessments.
While I really enjoyed this work, I missed aviation and was keen to get involved in the Superyacht Industry – an interest that grew after attending the Monaco Yacht Show. With support from the Directors, and colleagues such as Elizabeth Bramwell and Lee Hooper, Safeguard Helidecks was established.
We were initially unknown in the industry but fast forward to today, we now support approximately 50 Superyachts globally and are recognised as the go-to company for helideck certification – something I am extremely proud of.“
What do you enjoy most about your work and the team you work with?
“We have a great team here at Safeguard Engineering and Safeguard Helidecks. I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic people, both inside and outside the company, who have been incredibly supportive and generous with their knowledge – I’ve learned a great deal from everyone I’ve come into contact with over the last ten years.
I really enjoy being part of a team that combines professionalism with great camaraderie. We take pride in delivering work to the highest standard but also value the friendly banter and good-natured fun that make coming to work genuinely enjoyable.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is the feeling you get when you see a yacht that you’ve helped from initial design, come through to operation and you get to step on board to carry out the certification – there’s nothing like it.
The travel is a definite bonus too: I’m really fortunate to have been able visit some of the most beautiful parts of the world as part of my role. We’ve been asked to visit superyachts in some truly remote and varied locations – from the Arctic Circle to Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was a particularly memorable trip – the heat was incredible and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. We were only allowed outside for 45minutes at a time to work!“
How has the company changed since you started?
“Safeguard Engineering has been a great place to work from the very beginning, with a genuine culture of support and respect for its people. While the company has grown and evolved significantly over the years, the founding core values have remained throughout.
I feel fortunate to have been part of the company growth, seeing it evolve from six to 60+ people! It’s inspiring to work alongside such a talented team and I’m eager to see what the future holds as the company continues to grow.“
Looking back over the last 10 years, what has been your biggest achievement to date?
“Professionally, I find it incredibly rewarding to introduce new starters to the company, mentor them and watch them develop to become highly valued members of the team. Knowing that I’ve played a part in the growth and success of the wider team has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
Personally – achieving a healthy work-life balance has been a massive achievement for me, and it’s only possible in a company that truly supports it. The flexibility to prioritise my wellbeing and spend time with my family, while still committing to the demands of the role has been invaluable.“
What are you most looking forward to/what would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
“That’s a tough question! Over the next 10 years, I have no doubt that the company will continue to thrive and grow – I would love to see Safeguard Helidecks and the aviation team continue to grow from strength to strength.“
Is there any advice that you would give to someone thinking about joining the company?
“My advice would be to ask lots of questions! Build a support network and find your team. Having people around you who can guide and collaborate with you makes a big difference. There is a lot of potential here and you will have support at every step as you grow and develop.“
Get in touch
If you’re looking for expert helideck certification services, or are seeking consultancy on the design of a superyacht helideck then get in touch us: enquiries@safeguardhelidecks.com
