Brendan O’Shannassy

Brendan has served on the ISS Board since February 2018. Captain O’Shannassy is a career Mariner. He began is seafaring at 17 with an undergraduate degree and maritime cadetship under scholarship with the Royal Australian Navy. He then served at sea in Australian Naval ships before entering the commercial sector working in harbor tug and barge and offshore support.
In 2001 he began in yachting and 16 years later he has worked with some of the yachting industry’s largest and most highly reputable yachts. His experience includes Captaincy of PRINCESS MARIANA, OCTOPUS, MY VAVAII and AMADEA.
Having already developed a sound knowledge of seamanship and leadership as a commissioned naval officer and a commercial master, Brendan made the transition to yachting as a deckhand before working his way up to Captain. He views this as a unique perspective for a Master unlimited. He understands his crew, their concerns and their roles as he has walked in their shoes.
There is an extended history of industry contribution through many published articles and presentations within forums such as GSF and ASMEX. Brendan’s strongest passion in yachting is to represent crew and the need for seafarers to be extended a duty of care within the industry. This is balanced by a belief that due to the increased size and complexity of modern yachts crew need to ‘step up’ and be worthy of their roles.
Parallel to maritime commitments Brendan has also an established history in Social Engagement. Brendan has contributed to the goals of Blue Marine Foundation and also the Brain Tumour Charity through active fundraising.
As a working Captain at sea as Captain on +100m Passenger Yacht, Brendan provides the ISS board with a direct link to the perspective of operational crew.