Since graduating with a B.Sc. in Geology and Oceanography (1981) and M.Sc in Oceanography (1982), Jan has gained more than 35 years of experience in commercial oceanography. He is a Principal Oceanographer with DHI Water and Environment and Ocean Sierra LLC. Previously, he was Partnership Managing Director for the Energy Sector at British Maritime Technology, and held global and regional senior management positions in the UK, Singapore and USA with Fugro. His oceanographic experience has included studies in the North and South Atlantic, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. This has included both field measurement and monitoring system campaigns and the detailed analysis and interpretation of data.

Van Smirren is a founding member and Honorary Secretary of the Houston Branch of the Society of Underwater Technology (SUT). In 2004, his contribution to the development of education and outreach in underwater technology was recognized by SUT, which bestowed him with a Fellowship. He is Past President and currently Treasurer of GCOOS and Chairman of the SUT-US Group on Environmental Forces.