John C. Payne is a professional marine electrical engineer and surveyor, with a career spanning more than forty years in commercial shipping, the offshore oil industry, and yachting. He is a qualified technical writer and author of fifteen marine electrical and electronics books and numerous magazine articles. John has been involved with everything from submarine sonar systems and oil rig operation manuals to military helicopters. Currently, he is a commissioning manager for some of the world's largest and most complex offshore oil production and drilling installations. He has built, restored, and cruised several yachts and lives aboard his own boat. He is a member of the ABYC and the Cruising Association.