Richard Eggleton

Captain Rich Eggleton MN AFNI MarDip(Pilot) is a Merchant Navy Class 1 Master Mariner with 25 years’ experience in the industry. Rich spent 20 years at sea working on various types of vessels including Offshore, Lighthouse Authority and Sail Training Vessels. Prior to coming ashore he spent 10 years as Captain. In 2019, Rich made the move ashore and became a Pilot for the commercial port of Plymouth.

Rich also runs a successful marine consultancy specialising in supporting a local marine civil engineering company with all compliance and operational matters within their large fleet of tugs, workboats and barges. 

Outside of his seafaring career, Rich has held and continues to hold various appointments, including 8 years as a Non-Executive Board Member with Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority including holding the position of Vice-Chair. On completion of his tenure, Rich also acted as Interim Harbour Master & CEO during the covid crisis.

Rich has also spent the last 18 years volunteering for the RNLI and holds seagoing positions on both Dart & Plymouth lifeboat crews. He also sits on the Operations Committee of the RNLI supporting the Director of Lifesaving Operations with strategic decision making on a national level.

As a avid water user, Rich is keen to support Exeter Port Authority moving forward to ensure the port not only operates in a safe and efficient manner but also protecting the amazing natural beauty for future generations.