Professional Team
Mike Grainger
Managing Director
Mike Grainger is a founding shareholder and in 1994 became the Managing Director of Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA), a Tasmanian based manufacturer of Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and large capacity liferafts for the international passenger ferry, mega yacht and defence market. Global exports make up for 95% of turnover.
Mike has more than 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry and is a founding member of the Tasmania Maritime Network.
He is currently a member of the DNVGL International Ferry Committee. This committee is active in the implementation of improved regulations for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding international ferry safety standards. The Committee meets bi-annually in Europe and North America.
He is Chairman of the TT-Line Company Ltd Board. TT-Line is the Tasmanian Government owned operator of the “Spirit of Tasmania” passenger, vehicle and freight vessel ferry service between Tasmania and mainland Australia. Mike was appointed to the TT-Line Board of Directors in 2005 and elected Chairman in February 2012. He is also Chairman of the Vessel Replacement / Procurement Committee, member of the Audit & Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee.
In October 2018 Mike retired as Chairman of the Board of Interferry, an international shipping association representing the ferry industry world-wide. The current membership consists of over 200 member organizations representing 600 individuals from 35 countries. Interferry has consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is an affiliation of The United Nations. Mike was appointed as a Director in 2008 and elected Chairman of Interferry in October 2012. Mike was instrumental in the decision of the Interferry Board to announce that the Interferry annual conference will be held in Hobart during October 2023.
Alan Gumley
General Manager
Alan Gumley is the General Manager for Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA).
Alan began working at LSA in 1997 and was appointed General Manager in 2014 after 17 years of service as Production Manager.
Alan is based at LSA’s head office and is responsible for managing the day to day operation of the company, planning and implementing the daily work schedules around customer orders and ensuring production schedules are completed on time.
Peter Rea
European Manager
Peter Rea helps represent Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) in Europe.
Peter is based in the UK, and is responsible for sales and marketing along with the European service station network and technical support for the complete range of LSA Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and large capacity liferafts within Europe.
He has been associated with LSA since early in 2003 and has more than 20 years’ experience in the marine safety industry. In that time he has developed a detailed knowledge of all aspects of MES and liferafts, working and building relationships with ship owners, shipyards and naval architects worldwide.
Vlad Prato
North American Consultant
Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) has engaged the services of Vlad for the North American market.
Based in Vancouver BC, Vlad offers services for marketing, sales, service and technical support, for the complete range of LSA Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and large capacity liferafts.
Vlad has an Engineering Degree in Naval Architecture, and has over 25 years of experience working with Marine Evacuation Systems.
Rob Lewis
Technical Manager
Rob Lewis has been with LSA since 1993.
Based at LSA’s head office Rob is responsible for technical support of the complete range of LSA products together with obtaining and maintaining international approvals.
In his role he is also involved in the development of international regulations of lifesaving appliances through input and submissions to various authorities and other regulatory bodies. Rob is currently a member of the ISO Technical Committee ISO TC 8/SC 1.
Leigh Smith
B. Eng (Naval Architecture)
Design Manager
Leigh is based at LSA’s head office and manages the design department. His role includes research and development, technical support, engineering design, product/vessel integration and CAD/ CAM support.
Leigh has an Engineering Degree in Naval Architecture (Australian Maritime College), and has both local and international experience in the design and construction of passenger, cargo and offshore vessels.
Simon McDade
Global Service Manager
Simon McDade joined LSA in 1996 and has worked in the marine industry since qualifying as a marine fitter.
Simon is currently responsible for maintaining the global service network and ensuring that all service personnel are currently trained to LSA’s high standards.
Simon’s role also includes assessing, auditing and training of existing and potential service agents worldwide.