Michael Cheyne is a retired engineer who began his career working with tools, manufacturing large marine diesel engines in a factory in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1970s.

He joined the British Merchant Navy at age 20 and traveled extensively around the world. He later advanced his studies, earning an Extra First Class Certificate of Competency issued by the UK government’s Department of Transport. He then studied at Cranfield Institute of Technology, where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Industrial Robotics.

He subsequently worked ashore as a consultant marine engineer for 14 years, investigating a wide range of marine-related incidents and conducting safety inspections on oil and gas platforms. At times, he acted as an insurance warranty surveyor during the construction, loadout, and float-off operations of large oil platforms and associated equipment. He worked closely with owners, charterers, insurance industry stakeholders, and other interested third parties.

Michael returned to his seagoing career in 2007 and was rapidly promoted to Chief Engineer, a role he held until his retirement.

While not directly involved in environmental or climate studies, he has a keen interest in seeking the truth. As an engineer, he does not accept that human activity can change the climate, which has always changed and, in his view, is likely to continue to do so.