He plays tennis, scuba dives and serves as the Chairman of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.
Much like the ship that bears the same name, Mark Small’s life is symbolised with three masts: career, family and public service.
The vibrant, friendly character first started working in the oil and gas industry at the age of 18 on a land seismic crew; however, it wasn't long after that the ‘call of the seas' enticed Small offshore.
“In my mid-twenties I moved into the Maritime Industry working my way through the ranks eventually obtaining a Master Class 3 Certificate of Competency,” said Small.
During those years the Petroleum Club Life Member worked on a variety of vessels and was involved in a shallow water seismic survey around Barrow Island in the 90s.
In the early 2000s, Small took a step back from the oil and gas industry and joined the Customs Marine Unit, which later became the Australian Border Force as a Senior WatchKeeper.
Another of Small’s ‘masts’ – his family – brought his career closer to shore. “Once my wife and I started a family I was fortunate to join Fremantle Ports.”
He initially worked on the Ports vessels before moving into Safety and Business Improvement, the former being the area where Mark still works in today.
The 10-year veteran of the Club has also worked as an Associate Consultant for RPS Energy as a Marine Safety Specialist and held various roles at IFAP including that of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2016.
“Community service is very important to me,” said Small about his third ‘mast.' “The Foundation operates the iconic tall ship STS Leeuwin II. We provide young Western Australians with the opportunity to build resilience and purpose through adventure participation.”
Small's passion for Community Service extends to Perth's oil and gas industry, unquestionably demonstrating this through his tenure as the Petroleum Club’s Vice President and President, which concluded at the end of last year.
“In 2017 I was humbled to be awarded Life Membership of the Petroleum Club of WA.
“The Club has a terrific calendar of events. This provides a wonderful opportunity to mix in a social environment with professionals in our industry.
“The club is friendly and very welcoming of guests,” concluded Mark.