David Snelson was appointed to the post of Chief Harbour Master in December 2006 after a seagoing career in the Royal Navy, during which he commanded HMS Ark Royal. As the PLA Chief Harbour Master he has responsibility for operational and navigational matters including pilotage, vessel traffic management, hydrography, harbour services and port security. He is a Fellow and Council Member of the Nautical Institute, a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and a Younger Brother of Trinity House. He was appointed a Companion of the Bath in 2003 and is a holder of the United States Legion of Merit. He retains an interest in defence matters as a specialist adviser to the House of Commons Defence Committee.