Gary Beels

Academic Credentials 

• Master of Science in Radiation and Environmental Protection (Dist)
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (Hons)

Certifications

• Professional Engineer (Mechanical Discipline) registered with EGBC.
• Member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
• BTEC Level 4: Advanced Instructional, Coaching and Motivation Techniques.
• Canadian Citizen
• NATO Secret and Canada Secret Security Clearances held by Lloyds Register

Gary Beels is a senior engineering and operational leader with more than 40 years of experience in the maritime, defence, nuclear, and safety-critical engineering sectors. His career spans military service, major defence procurement programs, marine engineering, systems safety, and executive leadership, providing clients with a unique blend of technical expertise, operational insight, and strategic decision-making experience.

Gary began his career as a Royal Navy apprentice marine technologist before earning a commission as a Royal Navy Engineering Officer and Health Physicist. During a distinguished 27-year military career, he served in operational, engineering, and leadership roles supporting naval and submarine operations, including assignments with the United Kingdom Nuclear Accident Response Organization and the Royal Navy Submarine Escape and Rescue Advisory Team.

Following his move to Canada, Gary held senior engineering and leadership positions with Babcock Canada and Seaspan before founding Submarine Whisperer Consulting Inc., a consultancy specializing in submarine systems, underwater technologies, engineering assurance, and safety-critical environments. His work supports organizations operating where reliability, performance, and risk management are essential outcomes.

Most recently, Gary served as Principal System Safety Engineer and Chief Engineer for the Royal Canadian Navy’s $2.5 billion Joint Support Ship (JSS) program, providing engineering leadership for one of Canada’s most significant defence procurement initiatives. His experience spans submarine engineering, systems engineering, safety assurance, lifecycle management, risk management, shipbuilding, and large-scale project delivery.

Areas of Expertise

• Submarine Engineering
• Maritime & Naval Systems
• Systems Engineering & Systems Assurance
• Safety-Critical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering & Radiation Protection
• Shipbuilding & Marine Infrastructure
• Risk & Safety Management
• Project & Program Leadership
• Lifecycle Asset Management
• Defence Procurement & Capability Development
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication

Professional Highlights

• More than 40 years of experience in maritime, defence, and nuclear sectors.
• Served 27 years in the Royal Navy as an Engineering Officer and Health Physicist.
• Founder and Principal Consultant of Submarine Whisperer Consulting Inc.
• Former Chief Engineer for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ship Program.
• Former Principal System Safety Engineer supporting major Canadian defence projects.
• Member of the United Kingdom Nuclear Accident Response Organization.
• Member of the Royal Navy Submarine Escape and Rescue Advisory Team.

Gary helps organizations operating in complex, high-consequence environments strengthen safety, reliability, and operational resilience through effective engineering governance, risk management, and lifecycle planning. His experience leading multidisciplinary teams on major defence, marine, and infrastructure projects enables him to provide practical guidance on managing technical risk while maintaining operational performance.

Through The Heimdall Group, Gary supports clients in developing resilient systems, improving engineering assurance programs, enhancing critical infrastructure protection, and preparing organizations to operate effectively in demanding and highly regulated environments.