Every profession has its standout leaders—those who not only excel in their craft but also shape the future of their industry. At SSI, we are proud to celebrate one such leader: Simon Crook, our Senior Solutions Specialist, who has recently achieved two prestigious milestones—Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (FRINA). These distinctions recognize Simon’s decades of experience, technical expertise, and lasting contributions to naval architecture.
Early Foundations in Shipbuilding
Simon’s career began at Williamstown Shipyard in Melbourne as a trainee draftsman. One of his first major projects involved converting a commercial Auxiliary Oiler (AO) into a Replenishment At Sea (RAS) vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), alongside ongoing ANZAC Class sustainment work. These formative experiences introduced him to the complex challenges of naval shipbuilding and the meticulous precision required in engineering.
As the industry faced reduced activity, Simon broadened his skillset, gaining experience in industrial plant and complex machinery design. This period of diverse learning laid the groundwork for his later leadership in shipbuilding projects.
Leading Design and Innovation
Over a decade ago, Simon returned to shipbuilding, taking on leadership roles as Lead Draftsman and CAD Manager at prominent Australian shipbuilders. He managed multi-disciplined design teams, oversaw major naval programs, and guided the evolution of 3D modelling processes. By implementing new templates, procedures, and quality assurance frameworks, Simon helped modernize design workflows, ensuring precision and efficiency in increasingly complex projects.
Simon’s design talent extends far beyond shipbuilding. His side projects read like a highlight reel of creative engineering—from crafting a children’s carousel with intricately detailed characters to developing temporary molds for luxury composite yachts stretching more than 50 feet. He has designed race boat hardware, custom trailers, and even an award-nominated pool. One of his standout achievements is a lightweight, vacuum-infused carbon composite 21-foot ski race boat capable of breaking the 120-mph mark—a design that went on to claim race records and earn national and world championship titles. Together, these projects reveal the blend of imagination, technical mastery, and meticulous detail that defines Simon’s approach to design.
Driving Global Shipbuilding Innovation at SSI
Simon’s journey led him to SSI (ShipConstructor Software Incorporated), the company behind the industry-leading ShipConstructor and ShipbuildingPLM software used by over 700 shipyards and design agencies worldwide. He joined SSI as a Senior Solutions Specialist following a meaningful conversation with the company’s co-owners at RINA’s ICCAS 2017 Conference in Singapore.
In this role, Simon collaborates with naval shipbuilders and other industry stakeholders to tackle the unique challenges of modern shipbuilding through technology. By streamlining workflows, breaking down information silos, and creating a single source of truth for manufacturing data, he empowers shipyards to efficiently construct increasingly complex vessels. He also advises SSI’s development team, helping create innovative solutions that directly address real-world shipbuilding needs.
Recognition of Excellence
Simon’s professional milestones—FRINA and CEng—reflect a career defined by excellence. Achieving Fellow status with RINA recognizes individuals who drive innovation, elevate industry standards, and shape the future of naval architecture. The CEng designation highlights his technical leadership, accountability for complex systems, and dedication to mentoring others. Together, these honors celebrate Simon’s significant impact on the global shipbuilding community.
Giving Back to the Community
For the past decade, Simon has actively contributed to the RINA community, presenting at conferences and events, including this year’s IndoPac. His engagement fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and growth within the naval architecture profession worldwide.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Simon’s story illustrates the power of combining technical expertise, leadership, and a passion for innovation. From his early days as a trainee draftsman to his current role shaping global shipbuilding practices, Simon exemplifies the qualities of a true industry leader.
At SSI, we are proud to celebrate his achievements and grateful for the expertise he brings to our team and the wider shipbuilding community. Simon Crook’s CEng and FRINA distinctions are more than personal accomplishments—they are a reflection of a career dedicated to advancing naval architecture and supporting the evolution of modern shipbuilding.