Capt. John Kavanagh is a Legal Practitioner, Master Mariner and Maritime Auditor who has more than 30yrs+ experience in the maritime industry, including merchant shipping, dredging, government, defence, and commercial law. John’s early seagoing career was with BHP, serving as deck officer on bulk carriers, oil, LNG and chemical tankers. Ashore, John has had roles in both corporate and government sectors.

As principal of Pacific Maritime Lawyers, John established a specialist maritime firm that offers unique practical legal services to the maritime industry in Australia and internationally.  As one of only a few master mariner/lawyers in Australia, John has the practical experience, commercial expertise and legal know-how to achieve superior client outcomes. 

John holds: Master Unlimited certificate (AMSA), Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) from Australian Maritime College, Bachelor of Laws (IIA Hons) from Deakin University, Graduate Certificate in Military Law from the Australian National University, an unrestricted Principal’s Practising Certificate as a legal practitioner in Queensland and is admitted to the High Court of Australia. John is a certified Maritime Safety Management System Auditor by the International Register of Certificated Auditors, is an active member of the Royal Australian Navy Reserve and is a Notary Public in New South Wales.