Dr. Phil Belcher first went to sea in 1989 and served 10 years mostly on board tankers with BP shipping. He gained a master mariner's certificate of competency and read for a degree in Maritime Studies at Cardiff University. This led to him undertaking a research degree which was awarded by Cardiff as a PhD in 2007 in the area of maritime safety. Following a 5 year stint as assistant director within the Bahamas Maritime Authority he joined INTERTANKO as their marine director. During his time with the Bahamas he served as part of their permanent delegation to IMO. In this time he chaired a number of IMO groups including the joint MSC/MEPC working group on the IMO's Human Element.

Phil's duties now include the management of the marine section which encompasses safety, security, cargoes and the human element.