After obtaining my Second Mate’s Certificate, I joined Clan Line on 5th July 1960 as Third Mate, signing on the Clan MacLennan in Avonmouth for a relieving voyage around the UK’s west coast. The Master at the time was “Pucking” Jones, who was later relieved by Harry Cater, a permanent coastal relief Master. During this coastal voyage, the ship was dry-docked in Liverpool.

Around this time, just across the water at Cammell Laird, the Windsor Castle was set to be launched, and we all received invitations to attend. I declined—unfortunately, as I was later to serve on that very ship, though I couldn’t have known it then.

Over the next few weeks, I carried out various relief duties—serving on the Clan McKinley for a week in Birkenhead, and on the Clan Macindoe for a trip from Manchester to Glasgow.

Eventually, I signed on the Clan MacKellar on 7th September 1960 under Captain Shattock for a voyage to India, signing off in Avonmouth in January 1961.

After a period of shore leave, I signed on for a delivery voyage—the ship was to be sold, with delivery scheduled in Ceylon. We were signed off at the consulate in Colombo on 9th July 1961 and flown back to London aboard a BOAC de Havilland Comet.