Joined as a deck cadet in 1975 and completed cadetship before sailing as a junior officer. Left in 1982 while serving as third officer on the Stirling Universal, as the company was selling its remaining vessels.

Following this, pursued a career in maritime education, including ten years as Director of Warsash, the very institution where I completed my cadetship.

Recently retired, I remain active in the maritime sector as an Emeritus Professor.

John Millican’s connection with the Warsash campus began in 1975 when he joined as an officer-cadet sponsored by the British and Commonwealth Shipping Company. His academic journey also started there in 1987, when he became a lecturer at what was then the College of Maritime Studies. After serving as Manager of the Institute of Maritime Law at the University of Southampton, he returned to Warsash to lead the Golf House Management Centre as Head. Following several years as Deputy Director, he was appointed Director in March 2001.

Professionally qualified as a mariner, John also holds a first-class honours degree in law from Newcastle Polytechnic and an MSc in Education and Training Management from Portsmouth University. In 1992, he was made Associate Professor of Maritime Management in recognition of his contributions to Mobil Shipping. He is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, a Chartered Marine Technologist, and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Additionally, he serves on various shipping industry and professional committees, including the Merchant Navy Training Board.

John candidly admits that his decision to go to sea was driven by a desire for adventure rather than a carefully planned career. His experience includes two round-the-world voyages and, as officer of the watch, participating in the rescue of the crew of a bulk carrier that sank during a typhoon in the South China Sea.

He is happily married and has a teenage son along with twin daughters.