I was one of the last two cadets to join B&C in the early 1980s at South Shields College.

In 1983/84, I began my career at sea with Stirling Universal, followed by Scottish Eagle, before completing my cadetship aboard foreign-flagged vessels.

Throughout my time with B&C, I had the (mostly) enjoyable experience of sailing on each of the ‘Al’ ships — Meltem, Mistral, Bora, Pluto, and Uranus — right up until the transition to London Ship Managers.

After my time with B&C, I continued my seagoing career with Irgens Larsen, Lauritzen, and Frigomaris, eventually serving as Chief Engineer with Great White Fleet/Chiquita, where I concluded my time at sea in 1998.

I then transitioned ashore as a Technical Superintendent with Great White Fleet and have since held various roles in ship management.

I am currently based in Rotterdam, working as a Fleet Manager for a German-owned company operating a number of feeder-size container vessels.