About McCollam Marine
Naval Architects and Marine Surveyors established in 2011, based in the Glens of Antrim — serving vessel owners across Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK and beyond.
About McCollam Marine
McCollam Marine was established in 2011 to provide Naval Architecture and Marine Surveying services to the Commercial and Leisure Boat Fleet throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK, Europe and worldwide. Based in the stunning Glens of Antrim on Northern Ireland's north coast, the company brings together decades of hands-on maritime experience with a deep commitment to technical precision and regulatory compliance.
Every project — from a pre-purchase survey on a leisure yacht to a full passenger vessel coding programme — is delivered with the same attention to detail, practical knowledge and clear communication that has made McCollam Marine a trusted name in the industry.
Meet Joe McCollam
Solent University, Southampton — 1993–1996
RNLI Crew Member since 1996 (Age 17)
Joe McCollam is the founder and principal Naval Architect and Marine Surveyor of McCollam Marine, bringing over 30 years of hands-on experience in naval architecture, boat building, and marine surveying. He holds a BEng (Hons) in Yacht and Powercraft Design/Naval Architecture from Solent University, Southampton (1993–1996), where he developed a comprehensive foundation in vessel design, hydrodynamics, structural engineering, and marine systems.
Joe is professionally qualified to carry out surveys and naval architecture services for major certifying authorities including the YDSA, Mecal, SCMS, and is authorised by the MCA and the Irish Department of Marine to carry out Stability Assessments. His work spans vessel design, performance predictions, stability analysis, pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, damage assessments, and specialist surveys on GRP, wood, aluminium, and steel vessels.
Beyond his professional practice, Joe serves as an RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain. Having first joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at age 17, he later returned to his home station at Red Bay where he now commands the All Weather Lifeboat. This ongoing operational experience — working with vessels in challenging real-world conditions — directly informs the practical, safety-focused approach he brings to every marine engineering project.
Areas of Expertise
Vessel Design
- New vessel concept development
- General arrangement drawings
- Hull form design & optimisation
- Construction documentation
- Structural scantling calculations
Performance Analysis
- Resistance & powering predictions
- Seakeeping simulations
- Speed-power performance curves
- Propulsion system optimisation
- Operational efficiency studies
Stability & Safety
- Intact stability calculations
- Damage stability assessments
- Stability book preparation
- Flooding & subdivision analysis
- Lightweight surveys & inclining tests
Marine Surveying
- Pre-purchase surveys
- Insurance & condition surveys
- Damage assessments
- Valuation surveys
- Expert witness services
Certification & Compliance
- MCA passenger vessel coding
- Fishing vessel certification
- Tonnage measurement & certification
- Classification society liaison
- Regulatory compliance guidance
Technical Support
- Modification & refit design
- Structural reinforcement design
- Technical specifications
- Builder liaison & oversight
- Project management support
Work With McCollam Marine
Tell us about your vessel and project requirements. We will advise on the best approach and provide a clear plan of work.
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