I began my career as an Engineer Cadet in 1970 and was made redundant in 1979 as a Junior Second Engineer (J2/E).

Service History:

•     From 07/09/72 to 30/10/72, I served on the Clan Ramsay, working at     St Mary Axe.
•     From 27/11/72 to 18/12/72, I was again on the Clan Ramsay.
•     Between January and December 1973, I attended South Shields     College.

My first ship was the Clan Ramsay. I was scheduled to join the Winchester Universal but was called into the office and subsequently made redundant before I could do so.

In 1977, I stood by mail ships and FSB01 as a Fourth Engineer (4/E).

Afterward, I joined Elders & Fyffes as a Second Engineer (2/E), with my first ship being the MV Matina.

In 1983, when the fleet transferred to CI Shipping, I continued as a 2/E on the Matina and later the Al Attared.

I sailed with CI Shipping until 1993. Upon leaving the Al Attared as Chief Engineer (C/E), I was informed my services were no longer required due to taking longer leaves than permitted—typically 7 months on duty followed by 5 months off.

I retired in 2010 and now live in Devon. Recently, I reconnected with some members of the 1970 Plymouth Engineer Cadet intake to organize a reunion.

In 1970, the full British & Commonwealth engineer cadet intake was 36, with around 20 at Plymouth.

From 1970 to 1972, I attended the Plymouth School of Navigation, where I was part of the first City & Guilds marine engineering course.