He was born at Lowestoft, in England, where he went to school.

Mr. Nursey was afterwards apprenticed in the Cambus Line of sailing vessels, on the “Lord Elgin,” from Glasgow, in which he served four years.

In June, 1902, he took his second mate's certificate, and joined the Shire Line as fourth officer of the s.s. “Fifeshire.”

Mr. Nursey was afterwards promoted to the position of third officer on the same ship, and, later, became third officer on the s.s. “Waikato,” of the New Zealand Shipping Company's Line.

He subsequently obtained his certificate as first officer, and was appointed to the “Ayrshire.” in August, 1904.