Tom Ainsley is a Chartered Marine Engineer with a First Class Certificate of Competency (Motor). Additional qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering Degree (with Honours) in Marine Engineering and Management and a Master of Laws in Maritime Law (with distinction). Tom joined Brookes Bell in 2017.

Tom's surveying and consultancy experience with Brookes Bell includes main and auxiliary engine failure investigations, hull damage surveys, crane damages, bunker disputes and fire investigation. Tom has also provided technical advice on new-build disputes, including Superyachts.

Prior to joining Brookes Bell, Tom was at sea over a period of ten years serving on large Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax vessels, attending the new building and commissioning of part of a fleet of multi-role diesel electric Oil Recovery Vessels, ORV/Platform Supply Vessels (PSV). Tom subsequently worked offshore on these vessels in the North Sea.

Tom has served in all ranks up to Second Engineer and has considerable experience in the operation and maintenance of medium and high speed diesel engines, Dynamic Positioning (DP) system maintenance, High Voltage (HV) diesel-electric systems as well as geared and clutched power transmission systems. During his time at sea Tom has attended numerous dry-dockings, Failure Model and Effects Analysis (FMEA) trials and DP trials.

Tom has also experienced serving as a crewmember onboard sail and motor yachts up to 75 m and holds an MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence.