David Lochridge

Former Director of Marine Operations at OceanGate, Known As The ‘Titan Whistleblower’, Submersible Pilot & Leading Expert On Netflix’s ‘Titan’

David Lochridge’s Biography:

David Lochridge is a leading undersea explorer, career submersible pilot and marine operations expert, best known for his former role as Director of Marine Operations at OceanGate. With decades of experience piloting and leading manned submersible missions in some of the world’s most challenging environments, David has built a reputation for technical excellence, calm leadership and a deep commitment to safety at sea. His work has taken him from naval service to high-profile expeditions and on-screen expert roles, making him a compelling speaker on risk, resilience and leadership in extreme environments.

David began his career in the Royal Navy, where he developed advanced maritime and rescue skills, including work as a Submarine Rescue Pilot. This foundation in high-stakes operations shaped his disciplined approach to safety, teamwork and decision-making under pressure. After leaving the Navy, he transitioned into the specialist world of manned submersibles, quickly establishing himself as a trusted pilot and team leader for complex underwater missions.

Over the years, David has held senior operational roles across private exploration, research and expedition teams. He served as Chief Submarine Pilot aboard the research vessel M/Y Octopus and later as a manned submersible pilot for James Fisher Rumic. From 2011 onwards, he worked as a freelance manned submersible pilot and surface officer, leading diverse international missions. He later becambe Director of Marine Operations at OceanGate, where he raised important safety concerns that positioned him as a prominent voice in discussions around deep-sea exploration standards.

In recent years, David has become an on-screen expedition expert, known for featuring in major documentaries and exploration series. He has appeared in productions including ‘Inside the Red Sea Mission’, ‘OceanXplorers’ and Netflix’s ‘Titan: The OceanGate Disaster’, where he shared professional insight into deep-ocean operations. He also works as a Sub Team Leader with InkFish and continues to contribute to global exploration initiatives, combining operational leadership with a strong advocacy for safety and responsibility in extreme exploration.

Why Hire David Lochridge?

David is hired as a highly compelling speaker on safety, leadership in high-pressure environments and undersea exploration. His career spans naval rescue, deep-sea expeditions and senior operational leadership, giving him rare insight into decision-making where preparation, communication and accountability can mean the difference between success and failure. He speaks candidly about risk management, responsibility and the human factors that shape outcomes in complex and unpredictable conditions.

Drawing on his involvement in scientific research and deep-sea discovery, David translates lessons from extreme underwater missions into practical frameworks for leadership, safety and decision-making. His perspective is further strengthened by his role as an expedition expert in major documentaries, where he addressed the importance of safety culture and operational integrity. Audiences leave with powerful, real-world insights on building resilient teams, managing risk and leading with clarity under pressure.

David Lochridge’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define David Lochridge’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Featured in the documentary Deep Ocean, contributing expert insight into modern undersea exploration.
• 2025 – Shared professional expertise in Netflix’s Titan: The OceanGate Disaster, discussing safety and operational responsibility in deep-sea missions.
• 2024 – Featured as an expedition expert in the exploration series OceanXplorers.
• 2023 – Served as Sub Pilot in the documentary Inside the Red Sea Mission.
• 2011 – Began work as a freelance manned submersible pilot and surface officer, leading international underwater missions.
• 2009 – Worked as a manned submersible pilot for James Fisher Rumic, supporting complex subsea operations.
• 2008 – Served as Chief Submarine Pilot aboard the exploration vessel M/Y Octopus.
• 2007 – Featured in the documentary series How Do They Do It, showcasing submersible operations.
• 2002 – Began his professional career as a manned submersible pilot following his naval service.