Malcolm is a professional marine surveyor with considerable chemical knowledge. He commenced his seagoing career with P & O, serving on dry cargo vessels and passenger liners. He subsequently joined Panocean where he served as Chief Officer on chemical and parcel tankers carrying vegetable oils and high-grade chemicals. He also acted as a superintendent during chemical tanker ship conversion projects in Japan, with special responsibility for supervising tank coating application.

Since joining MTD in 1985, Malcolm has conducted investigative surveys world-wide on cargo losses and contaminations. He specialises in the investigation of contamination and shortage claims involving chemicals and mineral, vegetable, animal and fish oils, as well as tank coating failure. He has particular knowledge of the issue of safe entry permits and authorisation for hot work on ships under repair, being an accredited member of the Bureau of Competent Analysts providing certificates of test in accordance with the UK Ship Building and Ship Repair Regulations. He lectures regularly to P & I claim handlers and insurance personnel on the operation of product/parcel tankers. Malcolm is one of the first people in the UK to hold the Diploma in Marine Surveying qualification.