Maritime Career Summary

Joined British & Commonwealth (B&C) as a Navigating Cadet on 13 September 1972. Served aboard Clan Menzies and Clan Robertson until attending the MCR course at Warsash in 1974.

Subsequently served on Good Hope Castle as Cadet, then Edinburgh Castle as Uncertificated Fourth Officer and later as Third Officer. Unexpectedly transferred ("shanghaied") in Durban from Edinburgh Castle to Clan Maclean for service as Third Officer, sailing to Beira.

Planned to study for Second Mate’s Certificate in 1975, but was promptly returned to sea by Warsash. Served on Clan Maciver and Clan Graham on coastal duties before being posted to Pendennis Castle in late 1975.

Passed Second Mate’s Certificate in 1976 and subsequently left B&C to join the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Joined Research Vessel Services (RVS) in 1992 as Master. Served on all RVS vessels, including during the final build stages and delivery of the James Cook. Came ashore in 2007 as Acting Operations Manager and was appointed Research Ship Manager in 2009.

Captain Robin Plumley retired in January this year from his role as the NOC’s Research Ship Manager, marking the end of a distinguished career that began in 1976 when he joined NERC as a 4th Officer with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

While his long service is remarkable, it is Robin’s enduring commitment to enhancing the scientific capability of NERC’s research vessels—and the crews who operate them—that has earned widespread recognition. Over the course of his career, he served aboard seven Royal Research Ships, commanding four.

He was the first Captain of the RRS James Cook, a vessel that significantly expanded the UK marine science community’s ability to explore the deep ocean. In 2007, he transitioned ashore to become Research Ship Manager, where his extensive seafaring experience established him as a respected international authority in the field.

Reflecting on the announcement, Robin said:

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of commanding some of the world’s most advanced research ships in some of the harshest environments. I’ve worked with outstanding people at sea and ashore, which made the journey even more fulfilling. Receiving an MBE for services to marine science is a true honour. It highlights the vital role that research vessels play in expanding our understanding of the ocean.”

Robin was also awarded the Polar Medal in 1993 for his earlier contributions.

Details from the web site of National Oceanography Centre

Clansman - December 1974