I began my maritime career as a Deck Cadet with the British Merchant Navy, training at Warsash Nautical College.

My early sea service was with Cayzer Irvine Shipping Ltd, which at the time included Union-Castle, Clan Line, King Line, and was part of OCL. I successfully passed my Foreign-Going Second Mate’s examinations in 1980.

Following the rationalisation of the British Merchant Navy, I continued my career with F.T. Everard & Sons Ltd, primarily operating in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. I also undertook a few voyages to the Falkland Islands shortly after the conflict there.

In 1983, I passed my Foreign-Going Chief Officer’s examinations. However, due to the ongoing decline of the Merchant Navy and personal considerations, I left the service in 1986.

Ships I served on included, but were not limited to: Clan Menzies, Southampton Castle, King Richard, Barcelona (Table Bay), Clan MacGillivray, Dover Castle, Devonbrook, Superiority, Suavity, Stirlingbrook, Lincolnbrook, Leicesterbrook, Londonbrook, Singularity, Speciality, Sagacity, Fred Everard, Rochaine, and others.

If you would like more information about my career or the former Merchant Navy colleagues I remain in contact with, please feel free to reach out to me via Warsash Nautical College or through my shipping company listings.