SMALL CRAFT EXPERTISE

Throughout my long association with the sea, I have always had an affinity with small craft. Wherever I have worked, I have taken a keen interest in the design, practical use and operation of these work horses. I have owned a progression of boats, the latest being a 40 foot steel ketch which is now nearing completion and fit out from a yard built hull.

At sea I always relished the opportunity to operate the ship's lifeboats, and in SeaSpeed I almost invariably handled the ancillary chase boats when I was not actually flying the Hovercraft being tested. Joining the Pilot Service gave me an even bigger opportunity to become involved much more closely with small craft operations. I have always taken a close interest in the design and operation of Pilot launches, and as a spin off, delivered pilot launches and survey craft for the CHA on the Humber. As a pleasurable pastime I have also undertaken delivery of new 49 and 57 foot, 30 knot cabin cruisers from the Humber to the Solent.

My interest in small craft also extends to work boats and small tugs that are the work horses of the ports industry. These craft play a vital role in port operations and with the many innovations in handling equipment now available to build safer, more practical work horses for the port user, I am able to offer practical advice in this field as well.