About Me
Where am I Now?After a very long sea career spanning some 41 years - all with the same company. On turning 60 I finally fulfilled a promise to my wife made some 25 years ago that I would leave the sea and come ashore. After a few months of doing nothing my deteriorating stamina and expanding waistline (not to mention economic reality) told me that it was time to seek further employment.
I spent a couple of months with Wightlink Ferries on the Lymington / Yarmouth route before deciding what I should have known all along, that I was a deep water man, and that ferries and I were not really mutually compatible. The long commute to and from Lymington played a very substantial part in my decision to leave and find something totally different to do.
I spent some time helping Premier Marina's at the Swanwick Second Hand Boat Show, before joining them at Swanwick marina on a 6 month part time basis as relief Berthing-Master. I am enjoying this and will look to stay with them if the opportunity arises.
Sea Going Qualifications
UK Master Mariner's Certificate of Competency
GMDSS General Operator's Certificate of Competency
Ship Security Officer Qualification.
Certificates of Equivalent Competency for Bermuda, Sri Lanka, Bahama's, Netherlands Antilles & Saudi Arabian Flagged Vessels
Responsibilities on Board a Deep Sea Vessel
Responsible to the Owners, Managers, Charterers, Shippers, Flag State, Port and International Authorities etc for the efficient, safe and healthy running of the vessel, and it's personnel and cargo.
Responsible for ensuring the vessel, it's personnel and equipment always comply with International, National, Flag and Company requirements for Certification and Qualification.
Responsible for the Health and Safety of the Crew, including Medical, Diet, Interesting Menu's, Proper Cooking and attractive presentation of food for a multi racial / cultural crew with religeous or health feeding requirements. Occupational Safety, Fatigue and Hours Limitations and General Morale.
Responsible for the Safety of the Vessel at all times and in all weathers giving consideration to traffic and areas of difficult navigation. For ensuring that all on board Charts and Publications have been properly corrected and courses laid down well in advance of need. Passage Planning correctly carried out.
Responsible for the Safety of the Cargo including pre-loading cleansing and preparation, acceptance / rejection, loading, safe carriage and final discharge. Oversee the carriage temperature logs to ensure compliance with shipper's instructions.
Responsible for enforcing all Marine and International regulations in regard to Pollution of the Environment (Sea, Land, Air, Sewage)
Responsible for Security on Board at Sea and in Port. Setting and enforcing Anti-Piracy watches and liasing between Ship / Flag / Office / and Destination with reference to the setting of Security Levels.
Responsibility for Communications on Board. Main User of all communications equipment. Principle liaison with Owners, Managers, Operators, Charterers, Shippers, Port of Destination requirements for Notice of Arrival, Security and Health Declarations, Maritime Reporting Systems and Meteorological Reporting.
Responsible for Stores and Spares requisitions, direct ordering, requests for fuel etc.
Responsible for compiling Accounts for Pay, Cash, Bond, Stores Purchases and all Cash Payments.
Responsible for budgeting for consumables, in a world wide scenario and within narrow margins, taking account of changing currency and exchange rates..
Responsible for onboard repairs and maintenance, and answerable to the Owners for the clean and smart appearance of the vessel at all times. Oversee the Planned Maintenance and ensure correct completion of the requirements within time margins.
Responsible for the safe handling of the vessel at all times, especially in shallow, narrow or otherwise constricted areas and in heavy traffic. Occasional need to undertake in-port pilotage and docking / undocking with or without the aid of tugs.
Responsible for dealings with all Port Authorities, Shippers and Receivers in a firm but always polite and open manner.