Issue 2/2015 Volume XXIII No. 010

The Journal of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners

Livery Company of the City of London Founded 1926, Incorporated by Royal Charter 1930 Contents

Court of the Company Wardens and Court from 1 May 2015

MASTER Captain H J Conybeare

SENIOR WARDEN Captain F K D'Souza MNI

IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER Captain S S S Judah MBE MNI

WARDENS Captain M Reed RNR RD*; The Honourable Company Captain R B Booth; Captain W J Barclay AFNI COURT OF ASSISTANTS of Master Mariners Commander P R F D Aylott MNI RN; Captain R F A Batt; Mr P J Blackhurst; Captain S Bland; Mr M F Burrow; PATRON Captain D Chadburn; Captain G R Cowap FNI; Her Most Gracious Majesty THE QUEEN Captain I C Giddings; Captain P T Hanton RFA; ADMIRAL Mr J Johnson-Allen FRIN; Captain R Nosrati; His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Captain T Oliver; Commander G D Phillips RN; Lord High Admiral of the , KG KT OM GBE Captain M R Powell; Captain M M Reeves MNI; Captain R S Richardson FNI; Captain N F Rodrigues; FOUNDER Captain I A Smith FNI FRNI; Lieutenant T Starr FNI RNR; Sir Robert Burton-Chadwick, Bt. Captain T C Jewell FEI MNI; Captain J R Freestone MNM; b. 1869 d. 1951 Captain J W Hughes FRIN MNI.

CLERK OF THE COMPANY – 0207 845 9871 Commodore Angus Menzies FCMI MNI RN – [email protected]

BUSINESS MANAGER – 0207 845 9872 Contents Mrs Alison Harris BA (Hons) – [email protected]

FINANCE OFFICER – 0207 845 9875 Company News Page 753 Mrs Penny Burningham – [email protected] SECRETARY – 0207 845 9873 Miss Patricia O'Reilly – [email protected] Latest News Page 766 RECEPTIONIST Mrs Phyllis Holder – [email protected]

Ports News Page 771 HONORARY CHAPLAIN The Reverend Reginald Sweet BA RN

Features Page 774 CORPORATE MEMBERS *Birchtree Limited; J&J Denholm Limited; Fairdeal Group; Furness Withy (Chartering); *International Maritime Pilots' Association; John Swire & Son Limited; *Maritime Underwater Securities Merchandise Inside Back Cover Consultants Limited; P&O Ferries; *Security Association for the Maritime Industry; Star Reefers; Stephenson Harwood; The Baltic Exchange; Witherby's Publishing Group; X-PRESS Feeders. (*Tenant company)

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Published by The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, HQS www.hcmm.org.uk Tel: 0207 836 8179 Fax: 0207 240 3082 Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2PN. Email: [email protected] Company News

Soon after returning to CNCo, I was From The Master seconded ashore in Hong Kong for three We are sorry to re cord the death of Captain H J Conybeare months to the Work Study Team, which the following member of the was charged with reducing crewing Honourable Company of Master throughout the fleet. Study and subsequent Mariners: implementation took some two years, after •Captain Christopher Alan Wraight, which, rather than being sent back to sea, I 31 January 2015 was moved into the cargo handling and ship operations management. There followed a period of challenge and Congratulations to the following responsibility managing the fleet through on being sworn in as: the change from break bulk, through pallets, side port loading, semi-container to Freeman: full container ship operations. This involved Mr John Williams, Captain MacDonald vessel acquisition, conversion, purchase of Lucas, Mr Mark Broster, Captain Susan equipment and the contract negotiations Thomson, Captain Christie Pinto, for all stevedoring and terminal operations Mr Nicholas Dowden, Captain Neil in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Smith, Captain Joseph Walford, Philippines, Taiwan and S Korea. Captain Nicolas White Member: Mr John Almond, Lt Derek The next move was to the Swire Group , Mr Samuel Holden Management Group and an immediate secondment to an associate Company in Associate: Ms Ingrid Muir, Papua New Guinea, with responsibility for a Mr Matthew Gormley, Mr Tomos Thomas Known universally as Jim, I am profoundly multitude of shipping related activities. This Apprentice: Mr James Edwards, honoured and privileged to have been led to a logistics contract to supply all Mr Elliot Jacob elected as Master of this most Honourable transportation requirements to move Company of Master Mariners. everything for the construction of a new Gold and Copper mine at Ok Tedi, some It is interesting to note that all of the Past 220 miles up the Fly River. This was a Masters in my time have had such different wonderful project won against fierce lifetime careers, yet all of course started by International competition, and was first becoming Master Mariners. This just extremely challenging but hugely goes to prove that our training and satisfying. On completion of the logistics qualification process truly equips us to take contract, and getting the second stage in on many different challenges and the bag, a move back to mainstream to And to the following who have been opportunities to succeed in life, and it is reorganize the Group shipping agency clothed as Liverymen: that training opportunity that the operations in Taiwan. Honourable Company strives to continue Captain John Holmes, Captain Lyndon to provide. This was followed shortly by another Cooper , Captain Roger Francis , secondment as Executive Chairman to a Captain Ronald Bailey , Mr Eric After the training and qualification, you of 50/50 joint venture based in Singapore with Shawyer , Captain Kenneth Owen , course to a great degree have to make your some 23 companies operating in Singapore, Commander David Phillips , own luck , and I am the first to admit that I Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong, Captain Stuart McQuaker have been more Lucky Jim than the opposite. primarily involved in Trading, Travel and I was born a war baby in Northampton, son Manufacturing. Sadly, this was not to be the of a teacher, then in the RAF, and found anticipated turn around task envisaged, but my attraction to the sea when at eight rather a wind up, shut down, and sell years of age I found myself in residential operation. Not a lot of fun, but a real school for very ill children. This school management challenge in terms of dealing overlooked the English Channel where with staff, unions, lawyers, bankers and many vessels were regularly seen. accountants across a range of Countries. The combination of sea air and excellent The next move was to Hong Kong as the care sorted out my health and so, after a first General Manager of Cathay Pacific very nervous session with those dreadful oil Cargo. The highlight here was taking A move back to Taiwan then came about, lanterns used for DoT eyesight tests, I went delivery at Boeing Field Seattle of our first when I was appointed the first Chairman of to pre-sea training at Reardon Smith 747-400 freighter. The other side of this the Swire Group in Taiwan, to follow up on Nautical College. posting was learning that airlines have a a memo about opportunities that I had Then it was to Port Line as apprentice and totally different method of calculating written when previously posted there. This Junior Officer, before joining China cargo costs and freight rates to the was an interesting challenge that had Navigation Co (CNCo) with a Mates ticket. shipping fraternity. Totally legal of course, significant interaction with Government, With no leave taken Masters came around but difficult for a simple sailor to get his something that came in useful with the quickly and was obtained in 1969. head around! next and final move. www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 753 Company News

This was back to Hong Kong and onto the ahead, to representing the Company to reminded me of all the ships I had visited as Board of John Swire & Sons (HK) Ltd and the best of our ability, and to meeting as a boy. Maureen and I together with the Executive Director of Swire Pacific Ltd, with many Members as possible both on board Clerk Angus and his wife Paula were royally responsibility for the Industries Division. HQS Wellington and on our visits to all entertained and well looked after by our There were too many businesses and the Outports. members and their guests. My thanks to the highlights to record here, but setting up members of all our Outports for their very and operating the Coca-Cola franchise in kind hospitality and welcome and we wish seven Provinces in China for a population From The Immediate them every success and enjoyment in the of over 250 million probably says enough, Past Master years to come. even though this only represented about Captain Sam Judah MBE I was very much looking forward to 60% of the portfolio. welcoming all the Livery Masters and their On reaching my sell-by-date I retired in Clerks to our Court Lunch on Wednesday January 2000 and slowly returned to the 11th March who had extended their UK, which I had effectively left 40 years hospitality to the Clerk and me throughout earlier. Not really being ready to retire and the year. The event was extremely well also not knowing much about work and life attended and also well supported by our in UK, I set up a Consultancy principally Wardens, Past Masters and members. I advising on investments in China, Hong received very many letters of thanks and Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam. much praise for our hospitality, food and I became aware of HCMM through friends service afterwards. and a long term interest in the City of Both Maureen and I also attended the Lord London and associated history, and joined Mayor’s Dinner Banquet in March at the in 2008, was elected to the Court in 2011 Mansion House which was yet another and a Warden in 2012. spectacular event. Visits for both Lunch and Married to Miki, we have two married sons Dinner to very many Livery Companies and four grandchildren. I am a keen, but followed during March and April. The not good golfer, enjoy fine wine and travel Fuellers Dinner at the Guildhall was a grand and enjoy all aspects of the Livery world. occasion where Maureen and I were presented to HRH Prince Edward. At the At my Installation dinner I did promise to Gardener’s Dinner in April I was honoured to bore Members with more detail of my meet and speak for some time to the world career, so promise fulfilled! This past year has been a great voyage for both Maureen and I, and I was delighted to famous Chef, Raymond Blanc whose In writing this article at the end of my first have safely berthed and handed over to our Restaurant we love to visit in Oxford. Both month in office, I can report that, after new Master Captain Jim Conybeare and his the Clerk and I also enjoyed our outing to representing the Company at some eighteen Mistress Miki, and we wish them both a the Vintners for Dinner and there was some functions, through the enthusiasm and skill Bon Voyage. wine to go with it. It was fascinating trying sets of my predecessors, the Honourable to pair the many glasses of wine with the Company continues to be held in high My year can very much be likened to a food expertly guided by the Master of Wines regard in the City and Livery world. World Cruise, visiting lots of places, on our tables. meeting lots of different people and In closing I must report on my first duty, making many friends and having some The Mistresses’ Lunch onboard WELLINGTON which was to represent the Company and all great food and lots of wine on the way!! on the 8th April was extremely well Commonwealth Merchant Seaman, by laying attended by the Mistresses and Consorts of Having been on the homeward strait during a wreath at the Cenotaph on ANZAC day, the various Livery Companies and they all the two months of March and April it has which this year also commemorated the clearly very much enjoyed the tours of the th proved extremely busy but also very 100 anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings. ship, our hospitality, the excellent food and enjoyable. Both Maureen and I were This was an inspiring occasion in the the service. presence of Her Majesty the Queen, followed delighted to visit our Outports in Scotland, by a magnificent Service of tribute in Aberdeen on the 13th March and Glasgow As I handed over to Captain Coneybeare, our Westminster Abbey. This event was shown on the 26th March. I had never been to Master at the end of April, I have had some live on worldwide television, but, as I Aberdeen before, and although it was a time to reflect on my year in office, which discovered afterwards, sadly the BBC fleeting visit travelling by air from has been enjoyable, fun, productive and commentators made no mention of the Leeds/Bradford Airport in a day, all the relevant. We have enjoyed both the City Merchant Navy – a grave error on their part. members and their guests made us very Livery events and those of our own welcome with good food in extremely Company as well and I would like to thank The months ahead are looking busy with convivial surroundings. My Outport visit to our members, their ladies and guests who the annual weekend for Livery Masters Glasgow was a very fitting finale to my have supported our events. I have enjoyed taking place at Ironbridge in early June, year as we dined at the Anchor Line interviewing many prospective Members and followed shortly thereafter by our own Restaurant. This A1 listed First Class Freemen, and enjoyed carrying out their Annual Church service at St Michael’s Passenger Booking Offices now tastefully induction followed by curry lunches, which Cornhill, followed by the traditional converted to a first class restaurant has been an excellent platform to get to Ladies’ lunch. brought back so many memories of my know them, as well as learning more about Both Miki and I look forward to our year years with Anchor Line, and all the pictures their careers and experiences.

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My year wouldn’t have been half as As I sign off, and we return to our ever Poole provides a slant on anti-piracy enjoyable if it wasn’t for our Clerk, growing family, both Maureen and I would initiatives and indeed the UK Chamber of Commodore Angus Menzies and his team like to wish our new Master Jim and his Shipping also brief from their perspective. onboard the Wellington. Without Angus’s Mistress Miki every success and enjoyment The whole course runs for 4½ days. help I wouldn’t have known where I was in their year of office and we look forward Briefs will be provided from Northwood supposed to go, what I should wear, who I to the continuing success of our HQ, the FCO Piracy Desk (Gulf of Guinea), should talk to, how I should get there and Honourable Company of Master Mariners DfT and the UK Centre for the Protection when to leave. And oh! The badge!! “Do not for very many years to come. of the National Infrastructure (CPNI) and forget the Badge, Master!” In his day job, as European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). both the Clerk of the Company and Chief Clerk’s Corner Also a brief and buffet lunch will be Executive of the WELLINGTON Trust, he has provided by the UK Chamber of Shipping. performed with great skill, diligence and Commodore Angus Menzies RN assiduity, and always with a smile. Angus, Numbers as ever are always tight, and if Thank you! you wish to attend any of these Courses, please email to Lt Cdr David Carter RNR If it weren’t for Alison, we wouldn’t have (formerly Shell Tankers) at: any functions or seating plans, and a guide [email protected] for our schoolchildren when they visit our or write to, Merchant Navy ship, without Patricia we wouldn’t have any Liaison Officer, Maritime Trade Section, new members, and without Penny we Maritime Warfare School, HMS wouldn’t have any money!! I thank them for COLLINGWOOD, Newgate Lane, their continued support to the Company and FAREHAM, Hampshire PO14 1AS. for making Maureen and my stay on board very enjoyable. Congratulations Martin the Engineer and his son Joe – I Liveryman Commander David Vaughan OBE, know an Engineer without an engine but Chief Executive and Harbour Master of there’s plenty to do! Without them we Teignmouth Harbour Commission, has been wouldn’t have such a good-looking ship. elected by the Council and members of the Every time I have been onboard, I have seen UK Harbour Master’s Association to be their them working tirelessly, fixing things and new President. The Association represents making them safe for all. Harbour Masters from across the UK, including major ports such as London, Simon, looking after the Wardroom but also and Felixstowe. Commander ensures all the sandwiches and fish and Vaughan is also currently Chair of the South chips are ordered and served for us all. C ity of London Briefings West Regional Ports Association and was Always ready to oblige. Phyllis always there Freemen and Liverymen are encouraged to recently re-elected as Chair of the Teign at the reception to offer a warm welcome attend the City of London briefings which Estuary Partnership. and chat about cricket and Barbados! tell you about the City and its structure and Freeman Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff CBE What can I say about Igor? He was my are designed for all Liverymen, and indeed and former UK National Hydrographer, minder and always around to switch those Freemen, Court Assistants, and Wardens (as recently appointed as a Non-Executive alarms off! Both he and his Iryna have really well as their spouses and partners who are Director on the Board of the Port of London looked after me and every time he has very welcome to accompany). All are at Authority is also now appointed Deputy returned from the Ukraine, he has plied me 1700 for 1730 in the Guildhall, and are over Lord Lieutenant for the County of Somerset. with his local brandy!! David too ensured by 1930. Registration and bookings are everything was locked up and safe for when preferred via the website Committees I went to bed. www.liverycommitteecourses.org The Company operates five Standing I couldn’t finish without paying tribute to but if this presents difficulties, please Committees (this means permanent and our caterers the “Cook and the Butler”: Mark contact the Course Administrator at reporting direct to the Court). They Grove and his team Frederica and Diana in Guildhall, Claire Holdgate generally formally meet four times a year particular, who have provided a service of [email protected] and cover the following areas: the highest calibre. The Livery Companies telephone 020 7332 3176. • Finance - all aspects of the Company’s and Masters who have enjoyed the Merchant Navy Senior Officers’ investments, subscriptions and accounts; hospitality on board, each and every one Courses • Membership - policy on membership without exception has praised the excellent This Masters and First and Second Mates criterion, recruiting, and numbers; food from Bob the chef and the service, Course runs three times a year and is aimed which must rank us at the very top! • Education & Training - oversight of at to foster relations between the two training standards and the I would like to thank all the Wardens of the services and the programme is a mix of Apprenticeship Scheme; year, the Past Masters, Members of the Court lectures, visits and practical demonstrations and Chairmen of all committees who have all tied together with a strong social thread. • Technical - oversight of professional supported me and the Company during my It includes briefs on the Royal Navy’s ships, practices in every area of maritime year in office and the very interesting and weapons, and worldwide operations. It also business and shipping; productive Court Meetings ensuring yet includes a day at sea in a warship during a • Treasures - management of all models, another successful year for our Company. Thursday War – a visit to art, library and silverware collections. www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 755 Company News

Members, particularly those contemplating investments. There is one Board meeting Contact standing for Office in next year’s election for per school term and appropriate training is [email protected] the Court, are invited to consider joining one available from the local education Tel: 0207 651 0748. or more of those committees and thereby to authority. Any Members interested in Members who are still serving may make take part more in the day to day life of our considering taking up our position on use of the facilities of the Union Jack Club Company. Membership will not take up George Green’s Board should contact me in at Waterloo Station, where a single ensuite much personal time and a great deal of the the first instance. room begins at £72.00 and a double work is achieved by email. If interested, I am Honourable Company of Master ensuite room begins at £126.00 . Contact always delighted to update members on the Mariners and Howard Leopold Daiva Sobole , Advance Reservations workings of the Committees. Davis Charity Manager ([email protected]) ; Tel: 0207 Company Schools Members are reminded that our associated 902 7379, Fax: 0207 620 0565; Union Jack Club, Sandell Street , London SE1 8UJ. For many years the Company has had a HCMM and HLD charity is focussed on the formal connection with two London support of needy Merchant Navy Deck Income Tax Relief on Annual Schools with a maritime connection. Firstly, Officers and their dependents. Any member Subscriptions and Livery the London Nautical School in Southwark, knowing of a mariner or widow in need Quarterage should contact the Clerk. where Freeman Captain Rodney Lenthall The Honourable Company is approved by (old boy of LNS) is currently Chair of Legacies Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for the Governors of a school with an obvious purposes of Section 334 of the Income Tax maritime connection. Somewhat less Have any Members considered remembering the Honourable Company in (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (which obvious is our position on the Board of replaces the previous legislation). Where a Governors of George Green’s School. The your Will? This is a very tax efficient method of supporting the Company. Such a member is employed in a marine or marine school is over 160 years old and the present related occupation, the Annual Subscription building is the third of this name. The legacy can be made in a number of ways, including the following: and Livery Quarterage is allowable as a original school was founded by George deduction from earnings for tax purposes • A sum of money: this can be a specific Green, a successful shipbuilder from Poplar (but not Freedom or Livery Fines). Section amount (or can be index-linked to rise in east London. He had begun his career as 334 is limited to earnings from with inflation). an apprentice at the Blackwall Yard in 1782 employment, but members who are self- and in 1796 he married his employer’s • A specific item or items: this can be property, employed receive relief under Schedule D. daughter (always a useful practice). shares, bonds or other items of value. Library George Green became a wealthy man • A gift from the residue; this can be a building the Blackwall for the percentage or share in the remainder of New publications received recently are: Royal Navy, but he spent the bulk of his your estate after other gifts, debts and tax • The Ships that Saved an Army : wealth on charitable works. He founded have been met, and such gift can also be Russell Plummer alms houses, sailors homes, a chapel, and in made as a reversionary gift after taking ISBN 1 85260 210 4 particular schools. care of family or friends for their lifetime. (donated by Captain Terry Lilley) As the financial, legal and tax issues It was in 1828 at the corner of Crisp Street • The Admiralty Manual of Seamanship associated with leaving a legacy may be and East India Dock Road that the first 12th edition 2015 complex, depending on an individual’s George Green’s School was founded. In ISBN 978-1-906915-49-0 circumstances, it is strongly recommended January 1976, the present George Green’s (donated by Commander David Parry) that appropriate professional advice is taken School came into being at the southern tip • The Antarctic Paintings of Edward Seago to ensure legal certainty and tax mitigation of the Isle of Dogs facing Greenwich. The ISBN-10-0-901021-05-9 when considering making or revising a Will second building is still in use, and is occupied (donated by the Scott Polar Institute) to provide a legacy. In the case of a by Tower Hamlets College as an annexe. • Port Line substantial gift it is also suggested that your Captain A G Russell It was of course not only the buildings that family and/or future dependents be made ISBN 0-9510440-0-1 changed. From being an Elementary School, aware of your intentions. (donated by Captain Robin Batt) the School passed through the stages of Elementary and Grammar School from Accommodation Social 1928 until in September 1975 it took in its There are two en-suite cabins, one double • Curry Lunches on: Friday 31 July 15 first comprehensive intake, and became the and one twin, in WELLINGTON for the use [currently FULLY BOOKED with a waiting secondary school for the Isle of Dogs, of members (£50 single, £60 double list], Friday 25 September 15 [currently sharing its building with other agencies. occupancy). Both cabins have colour FULLY BOOKED], Friday 30 October 2015 Freeman Captain Philip Wake (and CEO of televisions, digital radios and full WiFi and Friday 28 November 2015. Members The Nautical Institute) is currently Chair of facilities. Please let us know if you will be are reminded that guests must conform to the Board of Governors. Captain Wake is arriving after normal working hours to our Curry Lunch dress code of jackets and due to retire from the Board this month check in and collect your key. ties. A stock of maritime type ties is held at and the Honourable Company is seeking a If unable to book onboard, The Vintner’s Reception. Also, that set tables and suitable volunteer candidate to take up our Company, Upper Thames Street, London individual groups will be called forward by place at George Green’s. EC4V 3BG (close to Cannon Street or the Catering Manager when they should In essence the role of our Governor is to Mansion House District/Circle Line Tube rise to select their curry lunch. act as a trustee of the School’s Trust which Stations) offers our members access to • Now an annual fixture, the fourth of our owns the land and leases out the original their overnight accommodation; some Outport Ladies Lunches is on Friday 24 July site and which has considerable rooms are en-suite and start at £60 + VAT. 2015. This Lunch is aimed at ALL

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members of the Company and their wives wish, may conform, although Lounge Suit is occasion, then followed by the Ladies with a particular theme to attract perfectly acceptable. Lunch, which makes the day even more Outport Members and their Ladies and an Wardroom enjoyable. A bit later in the month there opportunity for the Outports to get will be the Reception in the early Evening. together and to meet the Master and the The Wardroom is available for members and their private guests from 0900 until 1700 On 10 July we have the 11 th Maritime Wardens and other Members – book early either to relax during busy visits to London Charity Ball on board. The theme this year to secure a place. or to conduct business. You should advise if is an Oriental one and I am looking forward • The Members’ Lunch on Wednesday 16 you will be onboard, to prevent over- to seeing some interesting Oriental attire. If September 2015 (1230 for 1300). This lunch booking. The bar opens from 1230 to 1430, you receive this Journal before 10 July, but is primarily a Company event for ourselves when the Chief Steward, Simon, serves a you haven’t booked and think you might and private guests (not spouses or partners), full range of drinks and cold and hot food like to attend do ring the office to see if with the guest of honour being the Lord (hot food should be ordered 48 hours there are any spare places available. We Mayor of Westminster. Wardens will wear beforehand and is available when Bob the have had to increase the cost this year by a Morning Dress; Court Assistants and chef is on duty, please check beforehand). very modest five pounds, the first increase members, who wish, may conform, The menu on offer is: since the first ball 11 years ago and costs although lounge suit is perfectly acceptable. Hot - all priced at £7.50 now £32/£27. • The Annual National Service for Seafarer’s Poached Salmon Salad And, lastly, my customary reminder that if at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 14 you wish to have a hot meal in the October 2015 (1700), followed by our Grilled Chicken or Steak Baguette wardroom at lunchtime it is necessary to traditional Hot Pot Supper onboard (1900 with shoe-string Fries & Salad ordered 48 hours in advance and that if for 1930). The Service is usually attended Sausages and Mash & Onion Gravy your requirement is a sandwich it is by HRH Princess Anne and by the majority Bob’s Special Fish ’n Chips prudent to contact the office beforehand. of the maritime sector in London. Tickets Cold - all priced at £3.00 should be ordered as soon as possible from the Office. Both the Service and Hot A full range of sandwiches on brown The Wellington Trust Pot afterwards, are for us, our ladies and or white bread partners and private guests. Members do Bob’s HCMM Special, the ‘Master’s ’ Captain Stephen Taylor not have to attend both events. Wardens Club Sandwich (£5.00) Chairman of the Trustees will be wearing Mid-Morning Dress; Court Members are reminded that during bar Assistants and members, who wish, may opening hours any formal business conform, although lounge suit is meetings underway in the Wardroom must perfectly acceptable. be put on hold and, that dress for members • The Ladies’ Night Dinner on Friday 9 and their guests in the Wardroom is jacket October 2015 (1830). This event is for our (optional in the summer) and tie. A stock of Ladies and Partners; private guests are also spare maritime ties is held in Reception most welcome if there is space available. The dress is Black Tie. • The Lord Mayor’s Parade Day Families Lunch Wardroom Notes on Saturday 14 November 2015 (1215 to John Johnson-Allen 1500), which provides an excellent Honorary Wardroom Mess Secretary opportunity to view the Lord Mayor’s Parade when it sets off on the Embankment next to the ship (between the Two subjects currently dominating the lunch main course and the desert!). By workload of the Trust are the impending tradition, we are joined at this event by move of the ship, and the submission of representatives of three other Livery our Heritage Lottery Fund bid to develop Companies and so the Honourable the ship into a permanent exhibition on Company has a total allocation of 25 the history of the Merc hant Navy. places. Children are welcome, so please book early. Attendance at the Lunch does Garden Bridge not bring with it the opportunity to remain If all goes well with the current legal onboard afterwards to witness the evening arguments over the establishment of the fireworks, where space is extremely Bridge, we should be moving to a new restricted and formally allocated in support berth some 50 metres downstream, in of the Lord Mayor’s programme and charity. January/February next year. There will be Dress is (warm) Jacket and Tie. some disruption during this period and we As I write this, in late May, looking out on a • The Member’s Lunch is now confirmed on are negotiating with the Garden Bridge gloriously colourful bed of irises and Friday 20 November 2015 (1230 for 1300). Trust to minimise this. We are working wallflowers, the pleasures of the summer This event is for us and private guests (not closely with the GBT, their consultant spouses or partners), where the guest of are coming upon us. engineers, Arup`s, and the chosen bridge honour is the (new) Lord Mayor of the City By the time you read this we shall have constructor. We may have to be of London. Wardens will wear Morning enjoyed the Annual Service at St Michaels, temporarily moved some 2 metres Dress; Court Assistants and Members, who Cornhill, which is always an uplifting outboard for a couple of weeks, but all www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 757 Company News

services will remain in place. There has The HLF bid will involve a major fund the original and the model apart! Rebecca been some interesting press coverage of raising campaign, but this time with a most has also taken over as our Education lead the Bridge in the past few months, no all positive and laudable aim. We will be from Annie Todd who has given us 5 great of it very favourable, and the Bridge is not seeking the help of Members, particularly years of her expertise and time to really out of the woods yet with a legal with legacies and contacts. If our bid is develop our classes; Annie still wishes to challenge underway- just keeping all our successful, we should know by Christmas; be involved and happily remains on the fingers crossed! we then embark on at least a one year Education Committee. programme, to really flesh out the detail of HATS. The concept is to link the South with the how we are going to achieve the plan, and North Bank, so developing an enhanced this would be supported by HLF funding to The HATS exhibition has come to an end tourist link. At the same time, the North provide the professional help we need to after 7 operating months, which have seen Bank is developing a number of initiatives, undertake this task. This would then over 18,000 visitors plus an additional 5000 including heritage, which the Trust is followed by the second part of the bid to guests on board for events and who were involved in. Our footprint also extends to the HLF, containing the precise proposal. If able to take advantage of a viewing . It had being a member of the Thames Estuary successful, and the necessary matched also gained us over £8000 from donations. Partnership (TEP), a charity bringing Thames funding is in place, work can commence. I The exhibition has been a huge success, and Estuary stakeholders together to work estimate the earliest for this would be early has helped us move forward with our WEFT towards the best social, economic and 2017, and the completion could take up to plans. In particular, the very favourable environmental outcomes for the Thames. a year to allow for most of the normal comments from visitors who much enjoyed The TEP has spawned an education group, activities to continue on board. I was and learnt from viewing the ship models on which we also belong to as part of the honoured with an audience with our the Main deck, have been a major Trust policy to promote our key role in Patron, Princess Anne on 26th May to brief encouragement to us. I do thank those teaching about the sea, the Merchant Navy, Her Royal Highness on our plans and to members of the Honourable Company who sea trade, and the history of HMS gain her support. have helped us in one way or another, Wellington. With the Bridge in place, we especially the Guides. We are planning to expect a much larger footfall on The Education open the ship to the public on Sunday 28th Embankment and a therefore a far wider June (Sea Awareness week), and for Open public knowledge of the ship and what she House on Sunday 20th September. stands for. We are also attending meetings of the GBT Operations Group, which is a ABLE SEAMAN Peter Gibbs team of neighbouring stakeholders who On 5 May 15, we celebrated onboard have a real interest in the likely effects the WELLINGTON, the 90th birthday of Able Bridge will have on the local environment Seaman Peter Gibbs, our remaining survivor and crowds. and veteran of HMS WELLINGTON in the Battle of Atlantic. He was accompanied by Project WEFT ( WE llington`s FuTure) many members of his family and the usual The aim the Trust has always had, since its good time was had by all and a cake was inception 10 years ago, has been to raise duly cut with great ceremony. Peter Gibbs money to maintain and preserve the ship. was the starboard loader and maintainer of Since I took over as Chairman almost 8 WELLINGTON’s Hedgehog anti- years ago, the Trustees have accepted and mortar system and he was delighted at the agreed that the means for this is Education, party to formally “present” the replica of and to promote our charitable purpose to the hedgehog bomb to the ship! educate the nation about the history of the Merchant Navy. Our policy over the past few years has been to build up experience Hedgehog Model and knowledge of operating public displays, before going to the Heritage Lottery Fund With the introduction of the secondary (HLF) to seek a major grant to develop the school programme, we have been given a ship into a permanent public exhibition. model of an anti-submarine Hedgehog This will tell the story to our nation of how bomb, which system the Wellington was our great country expanded and became a fitted with in 1943. It has become part of supreme international power through the the lesson plan for Secondary schools, and might of our Merchant Navy and sea has been installed on a Martin Brownjohn trading. We believe that this will encourage pedestal on the old 3 inch gun deck (above sponsors to invest in us. The heritage hull the Committee Room). The Trust is hugely of the old RN sloop makes a unique venue indebted to Captain Robin Batt, who along for this. We have a small committee, with with our new Education Consultant, some expert outside help, now drafting the Rebecca Swan, photographed the only bid to submit to the HLF, due in early original Hedgehog at the Explosion September. This is a major undertaking, Museum. This was then manufactured into and will involve the forward part of the a replica by a friend of Robin`s! The Main deck becoming effectively a museum. Curator at Explosion said he couldn’t tell Peter Gibbs presents the Hedgehog

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Heritage Evening Programme 2015 The Fascinating Early Years of Monday 14 September 2015 Shell Film Unit/ Captain R. Brown Royal Dutch Shell

Monday 12 October 2015 TE Lawrence and the Red Sea Patrol John Johnson-Allen

A Master class with Ossie Jones: Monday 9 November 2015 Ossie Jones Marine Art Displayed

Monday 14 December 2015 Surgeon on a Troopship Dr Robert Bruce- Chwatt

Heritage Evening Programme 2016

Monday 11 January 2016 The history of the Five ARK ROYALs Rear Admiral David Snelson

200 years of Swire’s and the Monday 8 February 2016 Robert Jennings China Navigation Company Refugee Fleets & the Allied War Effort Monday 21 March 2016 Captain Adrian White In World War II

The E&T committee considered that in Wellington Trust PDC Column order to address the points raised in the Heritage Committee Captain Geoff Cowap Haughton Report, a working group should be formed to consider what changes were John Johnson-Allen The Mentoring scheme continues to needed and how the Mentoring Scheme progress and expand. The mentors’ seminar should proceed in the future. The working th Chairman, Heritage Committee held on 10 April was well attended. It group is chaired by Warden, Captain Rob In the last issue of the Journal I set out was an opportunity to report the findings Booth who accepts that a more structured details of the talks for the coming season. of the Haughton review to those mentors scheme is necessary but retaining We are still waiting for a potential firm date who were able to attend. informality wherever possible. As a result of for a Lusitania Exhibition but it is hoped to numerous conversations with mentors, I The report praised the Honourable take place in August. More progress has have come to appreciate the need for Company for developing such a successful been made with talks, and subjects for mentor training and consider this to be a scheme by utilising only the resources September 2016 to January 2017 are now priority. A proposal for the enhanced provided by enthusiastic volunteers. It was also agreed and speakers arranged. We are mentoring scheme is currently being recognised that there is clearly a need for now in the fortunate position that speakers prepared and will be put to the E&T such a scheme and that the cadets being will ask to give a talk as one of our heritage meeting in July. mentored saw great value in it. evenings which means that we are able to The number of mentees on the scheme is book up well ahead. It was noted however, that there was lack reaching saturation point. Younger trainees, The Hospital and Troop Ship exhibition will of consistency across a considerable those under 21, are required by the have finished by the time this Journal number of mentors and that the scheme traditions of the Livery, to be allocated a comes out. I’m sure it will be reported on in was from the outset, informal and Master who is a Liveryman of the Company. great detail elsewhere in the Journal but it dependant very much on the individual It is becoming increasingly difficult to pair has been the most enormous success. I personality of the mentor. There was little a young cadet with a Liveryman who lives have been asked to give a talk on hospitals evidence either of a structure within the or works close to the hometown of the and troopships of the First World War to a scheme or of targets to be met by either cadet. We need more of our Freeman to branch of the Western Front Association mentee or mentor. There was no effective take Livery. Any Freemen interested in next year. If you belong to a group that training offered to mentors. Mentors taking this next prestigious step in the would like a talk about that subject, please generally considered the practice of Company should contact the Clerk who will do ask and I, subject to a satisfactory date mentoring as a friendly, pleasurable and arrange for each applicant to obtain being arranged, would be happy to come social activity. Freedom of the City of London, a along and give the talk. prerequisite to becoming a Liveryman of Whilst the report supported the informal the Honourable Company. approach to our mentoring scheme, it was There is one important change suggested that if it was to withstand On Friday 29th May, I attended the to the timings of heritage scrutiny from an external body, we should inaugural Brigantes Breakfast at the evenings. They will start at 1830, provide a more structured approach, but Midland Hotel in Manchester. Over 1200 the wardroom opening at 1800. without the rigidity of formal and Liverymen of the City of London are organised mentoring. resident in the North of England, with 41 www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 759 Company News

Companies having 10 or more Liverymen in Mariners has supported a LinkedIn closed Devonport on 30 th April. Commodore Bob the area. To enable Liverymen of all group for several years. After consultation Thornton CBE RFA (Rtd) former Cdre RFA Companies to meet together in the North, with the original owner, I have assumed the and Chairman of our South West Outport especially those less able to travel regularly responsibility of managing that group. It is has kindly contributed the below account to London, the Brigantes Breakfast was exclusively for use by members of the of the day . born. The name is derived from the Honourable Company and can be used as a Brigantes Tribe which occupied a similar forum to discuss any topic with a maritime An additional Outport visit in May has also geographical area in pre-Roman times. 250 theme - if you have not already joined this been a great success when SUTHERLAND Liverymen, some accompanied by their group, perhaps you might consider taking a visited Glasgow for a few days. There was spouses and including some 17 Masters look. Any member can request to join. I will fine support from our members in the area enjoyed a fine breakfast in the prestigious check all requests to ensure that those and Hew Dundas, member, has kindly Midland Hotel. Over 70 Livery Companies participating are genuine members of the contributed a detailed account of their were present and the Honourable Company Company. The Nautical Institute has a very Outport visit, which is also included in this was represented by Liverymen, Peter lively LinkedIn group and many of the ship affiliation column. McArthur, Ron Bailey and myself. We were discussions on that group are transcribed An account of SUTHERLAND’s own news entertained during the breakfast by the and printed in Seaways . Any interesting and recent activities is also provided by Three waiters a group who mingled with maritime discussions on the HCMM Executive Officer Pete Brotton RN below. the wine waiters until they broke their LinkedIn Group could similarly be presented For the future, there is to be a formal and cover and gave an amusing operatic in the HCMM journal. ceremonial rededication of HMS performance to an appreciative audience The HCMM LinkedIn group is not to be SUTHERLAND in Devonport Dockyard after The 2016 Brigantes Breakfast will be held in confused with the Mentoring@Sea her lengthy and extensive refit during July the Cutlers Hall in Sheffield on Friday 20 th LinkedIn group. The mentoring@sea group this year at which The Honourable May 2016. Liverymen of the Master is exclusively for mentors and mentees. Company will be represented. Our account Mariners living North of Birmingham Discussions on this group will NOT be of the day will reported in the next issue. published in the journal. should make a note in your diary. From: Lieutenant Commander I was invited to an open day at Warsash Finally may I remind you of Mentoring Pete Brotton Maritime Academy by the trustees of the Monday: Mentors and mentees are Executive Officer, encouraged to come to the wardroom Maritime London Officer Cadet Scholarship HMS SUTHERLAND (MLOCS) on Friday 15 th May. MLOCS is a on Wellington from 1230 onwards for charity that supports around 20 cadets an informal chat on the first Monday of The last 3 months have been a busy but each year by providing funds to enable each month except January or Bank successful period, with the key achievement young people to undertake the three to Holiday Mondays. of returning to sea after our 14 month four years of training required to obtain Achievements refit. This journal’s articles include a succession of headlines from the last 3 their first Officer of the Watch Certificate. Congratulations to Sam Caulkin on months, to give you a taste of what’s been The Education Charity of the Honourable receiving a First Class BSc (Hons) in Marine keeping the ship busy. We have also been Company supports one officer cadet, Philip Operations Management from Warsash able to continue with our interaction with McAllister, on the MLOCS training scheme. Maritime Academy. Philip is pursuing a Foundation degree the HCMM, in particular the SW and course and is currently at sea on the Swire Congratulations also to two of our Scottish branches. However, the details of vessel PACIFIC HARRIER, on his final stage Associates, who have persevered, stayed the their visits have been omitted so as not to before taking his orals exam to gain his course and now have their Master’s steal the thunder of their reviews. Certificate of Competency. Well done OOW certificate. William Whatley and Alex Wroe. The Great SUTHERLAND Bakeoff Warsash Maritime Academy currently On achieving their Chief Mates Certificate: recruits 280 cadets per year. During the Mathew Finn, Harry Harris, James day, the visitors were given a tour of the Robinson-Burge and James Wright campus both engineering and deck. The On achieving their OOW Certificate: college has a state-of-the-art bridge William Bradstreet, Christopher Carr, Robert simulator with very realistic graphics. They Goldspink, John James, Alexander Moore, also have two ECDIS suites and the Greg Orrock and Mathew Simmons Academy provides both generic training and type specific training on equipment from two separate manufactures. Ship Affiliations Training on ECDIS is causing concern in HMS SUTHERLAND that there are some 30 manufacturers each Captain Christopher Laycock with more than one model and as yet there SUTHERLAND has recently returned into are no statutory standards for the control her priority role now as the most highly One of the entries or the facilities offered. The E&T Committee competent and technically advanced Type In March a task was set before the Chefs of is planning an ECDIS workshop in the near 23 anti-submarine in the Royal the Fighting Clan by Chief Caterer Gavin future and will invite seagoing users from Navy. We have been highly privileged that Tuach. The challenge was for each of them Masters to cadets to participate. visitors from our SW Outport have to produce a cake for 8 people, for less The Honourable Company of Master enjoyed an affiliate’s day visit to her in than £12.00 and to be judged by a

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discerning panel made up of members of to playing Bulldog, a more suitable game to and never going to sea it will be a great the Ship’s Company and the CO’s wife. The expend their energy as well as to experience to finally leave the wall. I’m marking criteria were strict with the cakes demonstrate the aforementioned tackling looking forward to see the equipment being assessed on their taste, appearance, technique. Lt Rob Manson, the DMEO, I’ve helped install or fix all working texture and the imagination of the Chef. commented: “Days like these are very whilst at sea and help fix anything that Although it was a complete treat for the important for building morale and fostering needs my attention while at sea. Even judges to be able to eat a variety of cakes, team spirit, as well as a deserved break from though I’ve only been with the ship six it was, due to the very high standard of the the hard work that is ongoing, thankfully months it will feel good to know I’ve entries ranging from a 7 tiered rainbow today there were no actual breaks .” been part of our refit which will lead cake, to a dark and white chocolate duo onto my first deployment.’’ cake, a rather difficult task. However, the Engineering Technician (Marine Engineer) overall winner and the title of Tyler Flynn: said: SUTHERLAND’s Master Cake Baker of 2015 “Having recently finished my phase two was awarded to HMS SUTHERLAND’s most training in HMS Sultan, I was given the junior chef, Chef Pedley, with his responsibility to join the marine Battenberg Cake. This classic cake won engineering team onboard HMS overall due to a combination of its superb SUTHERLAND. Helping take this ship out taste, the lightness of the sponge, offset by The Zorb footballers of refit and back into the fleet is an the marzipan icing. Despite being at the extremely hard job, which I am honoured start of his Naval Chef career, Chef Pedley HMS SUTHERLAND returns to Sea! to be a part of. has already shown he has a great deal of – 24 March 2015 This will be my first time on a warship culinary potential; the only question that out at sea. Other than nervousness to The ship sailed from HM Naval Base, remains is will he retain the title next year? put all my training to the test, I am Devonport, on sea trials having been fitted looking forward to seeing the world and with the latest equipment and radars in enjoying my time in the Navy and on order to keep her world-leading ability. board HMS SUTHERLAND.’’ Sub Lieutenant Charlotte Eddy, an officer of the watch, said: “I’m looking forward to getting back to sea and completing my platform endorsement. Having spent many months alongside, the bridge team are keen to get back to sea to undertake SUTHERLAND returns to sea their core role as officers of the watch.’’ Commander Stephen Anderson, the ship’s CO’s Commendations captain, said: – 27 March 2015 The Winning cake “This occasion is the most significant step Before the Ship’s Company proceeded on The Marine Engineering yet towards HMS SUTHERLAND’s return Easter leave they were assembled in the Department to the fleet after a 14-month absence for hangar for the CO’s end of term address. It a maintenance package that will extend is customary for awards to be given to With the Marine Engineering (ME) our in-service life considerably. individuals who have performed to an department working long hours setting the This is the culmination of a successful exemplary standard and gone beyond what machinery to work, whilst dealing with the partnership between military and is expected of them. This term there were frustrations of emergent defects and industry stakeholders, who along with three recipients of a CO’s Commendation. temporary setbacks, it was decided that the my Ship’s Company have consistently They were Supply Chain (SC) HESELDEN, MEs needed to let off some steam. demonstrated professionalism, drive, Leading Engineer Technician (LET) Someone suggested that a teambuilding enthusiasm and the initiative necessary APPLEYARD and Petty Officer (PO) JONES. day was in order. Little did they expect this to complete the large number of In front of the Ship’s Company their would take the form of Zorb football! Zorb commissioning and acceptance trials to citations were read out and each received a balls are large, soft, transparent, inflated allow us to safely return to sea. certificate and an iPod, to the applause of balls that you climb inside, leaving only We are all now very much looking their colleagues. your lower legs exposed. Due to the balls forward to the next challenge that will cushioning effect it was soon discovered result in us completing sea acceptance that a well-placed tackle could send your trials ahead of operational sea training.’’ opponent bouncing and rolling away. At this point the purpose of scoring goals This occasion is the most significant step became obsolete as people proceeded to yet towards HMS SUTHERLAND’s return to chase down their oppos , and in the case of the fleet after a 14-month absence a few brave souls the Marine Engineering Engineering Technician (Weapons Engineer) Officer (MEO) and her Deputy (DMEO). After Adam Muncaster, said: several games of football with an “I’m looking forward to going to sea undetermined winner, the ME team moved finally after being in the navy 15 months CO’s Commendations www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 761 Company News

WE Trials Continue…. Ship to ensure all of SUTHERLAND’s sensors After a long Pilotage through the Cumbrae where working correctly before landing on, Gap and the River Clyde, SUTHERLAND HMS SUTHERLAND is continuing to trial allowing the Ship’s crew to practise stowing came alongside King George V wharf on her world class kit after renewing it during and re-launching the helicopter. Once all 21 May for the late May Bank Holiday the ship’s refit at Plymouth. The latest to be trials complete the Lynx returned to her weekend. Members of the Ship’s Company tested were her non-operational anti- base at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. then proceeded ashore to explore Glasgow submarine torpedoes which fire into the and her myriad of bars, shops and water from the side of the ship at sea in UK The ability to launch, land, refuel and arm local attractions. waters. The torpedoes are one of several a helicopter at sea is a vital requirement lines of defence against underwater for SUTHERLAND; as one of the Ship’s The visit held special importance for the Ship, threats. As pictured, the Stingray torpedo primary weapon systems it increases her not only was Glasgow where the Type 23 was thrusts out of the tube using high-pressure offensive capacity whilst allowing the Ship built but it also marked the Ship’s first run air. Then a small parachute deploys to slow to extend her reach in other areas ashore since she had come out of refit; for its decent into the ocean. including casualty evacuation, many young sailors onboard this was the first reconnaissance and Search and Rescue. time they had come alongside a port outside HMS SUTHERLAND of the Ship’s homeport of Plymouth. Returns to Glasgow These run’s ashore are vital for developing the cohesiveness of the Ships Company as The most Scottish ship in the Fleet returned well as providing them the opportunity to to its origins this month, after a brief explore new places, which many people journey through the unusually calm Irish took the chance to do. Particular highlights Sea, SUTHERLAND was once again in saw the WO and CPOs mess visit the Stingray torpedo Scotland. Operating on the West Coast Tennents Brewery, whilst several members Although the torpedo used by HMS SUTHERLAND has been conducting of the Wardroom took on the Escape from SUTHERLAND was a trials variant, the real Acoustic Trials, ensuring the ship is meeting Glasgow challenge, where they had to thing normally carries a 1000lb explosive the expected standard in order to fulfil her solve clues to escape from a locked room charge, and is powered underwater at more main role, catching ! within an hour. However, this visit wasn’t than 50mph towards enemy submarines. SUTHERLAND has been transiting all play, the ship hosted numerous local throughout the Lochs of Scotland, a officials and charities representatives on One of the ship’s crew Engineering challenging feat considering the lack of Technician (Weapon Engineer) Nathan the Friday night and throughout the day water and close proximity to land, both the the Crew provided Ship’s Tours to visiting Bainbridge, who has been working on the picturesque Loch Fyne and Loch Goil torpedo system, said: affiliates (including the HCMM), Sea Cadet (pictured) where visited during her sea Units, Schools and Colleges. “It was great to see all our hard-work trials before she headed even further inland pay off. We’ve been preparing for this towards Glasgow for a good will visit to the During the visit the Ship’s Rugby team had trial for a long time and to have the City of Glasgow. the chance to prove themselves against torpedo launch like that was fantastic. It Cartha Queens Park Rugby Club. A closely SUTHERLAND off Loch Goil makes it all worthwhile!” contested game, with a strong performance Another key component to SUTHERLAND from both teams, saw some spectacular has also returned; for the first time in over tries scored for the Ship by AB Pound, LS a year the thud of rotor blades could be Wheeler and ET Saul. heard over the flight deck as SUTHERLAND Unfortunately for the Ship they were only passed her air trials with flying colours. just beaten by the opposing team who won On a sunny day off Plymouth, with a final score of 24-19. Post match SUTHERLAND conducted her sea trial using provided the opportunity for the Ships a Lynx Mk 8 (pictured), the helicopter Company to return for drinks at the Rugby conducted a number of flights over the Club house and help foster further ties The Lynx Mk 8 landing between the RN and the people of Glasgow. It was with a heavy heart SUTHERLAND departed Glasgow to return to her sea trials, after what all would agree was a very enjoyable four days. HMS SUTHERLAND Cycle for Charity Eight members of HMS SUTHERLAND’s Ships Company have started training to cycle from Plymouth to Scotland in aid of Care after Combat. The challenge will be over 1500 miles in 7 days that will test every member of this events mental and physical stamina. They hope to raise not just money but awareness. The cyclists are: CDR S

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Anderson, WO1 G Higgins, WO1 T Cox, CPO ship HMS SUTHERLAND, a Devonport based Tamar Bridge and berthed across the basin D Chilton, CPO G Tuach, CPO G Morris, CPO ship, has emerged in fine form from her from us. Chris jumped into his car and took H Hannaford, and CPO A Brennan extended refit and is now rising to the both of us to SUTHERLAND to be greeted by challenges of regenerating to full the XO, Lt Cdr Peter Brotton who was pleased operational capability by the latter part of to welcome us and provide that refreshing this year. The installation of our new cup of tea, a biscuit or two and an update on Master meant that Vivien Foster (Secretary activity, progress and future plans. to the SW Outport) and I had the good fortune to be asked to represent the Honourable Company during an affiliates’ afternoon, on 30 th April 2015, hosted by Commander Devonport Flotilla on board ARGYLL. We were met and accompanied by Lt Cdr Chris Morgan of SUTHERLAND, welcomed by Cdre Halton OBE, Commander The Cycle for Charity team Devonport Flotilla who described the role We would be delighted if you have a of today’s Royal Navy, and briefed by Cdr chance to visit our Just Giving page and Hammond, Commanding Officer of HMS support this amazing challenge, and a very ARGYLL on the capabilities of ARGYLL and HMS SUTHERLAND alongside her sisters. worthwhile Charity, details of which can be Viv and I were both delighted that we found at: Those listening included Civic leaders and managed to step on board and in so doing, https://www.justgiving.com/CYCLING-HMSSUTH dignitaries from Torpoint, Bath, Fowey, further the relationship between The Plymouth; Business, Academic and Public Honourable Company and SUTHERLAND. I Service leaders from near and far; Masters feel sure that Sans Peur is a fitting motto HMS SUTHERLAND and several representatives from the for a period of regeneration and I might Painters and Stainers, Scrivenors and add Fear Not for we shall meet again soon! affiliates’ day Chartered Surveyors as well as Sea Cadets Cdre Bob Thornton CBE, and last, but by no means least, 47 Sqn RAF. Chairman SW Outport Our afternoon included a whistle stop tour HCMM visit to Sustained and intense programme pressure of ARGYLL, with several explanations and HMS SUTHERLAND on a diminished number of ships makes it demonstrations, from war-fighting in the very difficult for ships to find time to host Ops Room to boarding operations and fire- King George V Dock, Clydebank, their affiliated organisations. Add to this fighting. We were also delighted to be 22 nd MAY 2015 the emergent work and surprises of refits given a tour of COURAGEOUS, a retired Hew R Dundas and it becomes even harder to get ships Churchill Class submarine, now on display and people in the right place at the right to the public and certainly well worth the Taking advantage of HMS SUTHERLAND time to allow the sort of engagement we effort if you are in the vicinity - email being temporarily berthed at Clydebank, on nd all enjoy, i.e. to visit the ship, meet the [email protected] 22 May 2015, the ship’s officers and ship’s company, appreciate the role and for further information. crew had very kindly invited the HCMM and others to visit for a tour of the ship capabilities of the Royal Navy and of A cup of tea at the end of the afternoon on followed by some remarkable hospitality (of course, spin a few yarns and enjoy time board ARGYLL was enough for all other which more anon!). The HCMM team was together over a glass of wine (or cup of tea visitors but, sparing no effort, SUTHERLAND led by Captains Archie Munro and Stuart for the drivers!) completed embarkation of ammunition in Millar supported by members John Aitken Members will be pleased to know that our good time, slipped from the buoys by the (a maritime Chief Engineer by profession) Vivien Foster on the bridge of HMS ARGYLL and Hew Dundas. We were made very welcome indeed, not only by the Commanding Officer, Cdr Stephen Anderson, the XO Lt Cdr Pete Brotton and Chief Logistics Officer Lt Cdr Michelle Westwood but also by other officers and, in particular the Galley and Wardroom teams to all of whom the very warmest of thanks are due. Details of HMS SUTHERLAND have been given in previous editions of this Journal so we need only a brief recap: she is the 13 th of 16 type 23 frigates and was built in 1996 (by Yarrow’s) and commissioned in 1997 with a target 18-year working life. After a major refit in 2014-15, she is good to go for another 18 years. She carries 32 vertical www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 763 Company News

launch Seawolf missiles as a first line of In contrast to the relatively narrow focus of There had been faint hints during the tour defence against incoming hostile aircraft the PWO, Lt Cdr Westwood’s wide-ranging that everything was a prequel to the post- and missiles and also carries the role covered almost everything that didn’t tour hospitality and, on our return to the missile system (8 launchers) giving long involve driving the ship or operating its Wardroom, we could understand why as a range offensive capability against surface weapons and related systems, so it included very generous spread was laid on. In targets; she also carries torpedoes and has a supplies, the NAAFI and medical - with 30 addition to plenty of what is called, where I helicopter (two Lynxes or one Merlin) on crew under his charge. We met the single come from in North Argyll, wee board, the latter carrying depth charges and most important person on board, ex- refreshment (which doesn’t mean tea etc.), the Sea Skua anti-ship missile system. Marine Johnson, the Head Chef; note that, there was a truly astonishing spread of The 4.5” Mk8 gun provides 20 in the photo, he is about to chop coriander, canapés, (i) air-dried duck (ii) smoked rounds/minute of naval gunfire support at not the most obvious ingredient one might salmon (iii) bite-sized Beef Wellingtons (iv) distances up to 22km while 30mm machine expect in a naval ship. The daily allowance a cheese-based one and (v) Thai fishballs guns provide close range support. She for feeding the officers and crew is an with a spicy dip. Remarkably, everything displaces 3,500 tonnes and can reach 28 astonishing £2.73/person/day less, one of was prepared on board, including air-drying knots (peak fuel consumption is 88G/mile the other visitors told us, than the the duck, a stunning demonstration of or 643/km) and her four generators allowance for a police dog. Further and naval cookery skills. With most of the provide 5.2 MW and she can refuel at sea most interestingly, given the long tradition visitors driving, there was not much wee from BP tankers. Her complement is of Chinese laundrymen serving on Royal refreshment going down the visitors’ normally 185 who live in relatively Navy ships, HMS SUTHERLAND’s is a much- throats but your correspondent (public comfortable quarters and have access to decorated former Gurkha. transport) was under no restrictions. excellent catering (see also below and there During the tour, the wind was repeatedly is even an onboard bakery), recreational wrapping the Company’s flag around its and other facilities. wire so it was impossible to photograph it but I took some after disembarking.

Head Chef Johnson On the bridge (a remarkably small area) we were impressed to be told that the ship relied on all-electronic charts; this brought a wry smile to Captain Stuart Millar’s face since he could remember carrying all 32 The 4.5” gun volumes of Official Charts while at sea and Chief Engineer Aitken could remember As is the case with such ships, HMS helping out his navigational officer SUTHERLAND is in a semi-permanent state colleague by making tracings for chart- of training and will soon be participating in correction purposes. Despite the e-charts, a NATO exercise involving 50 ships, 10,000 the ship still carries sextants and signalling troops and many aircraft. In addition and lamps but semaphore is a thing of the past. as a training exercise, Scotland is invaded The bridge and other key areas form part of twice per year; one wonders to what extent a Citadel which is gas-tight, necessary not the Scottish Government (Defence is only in wartime but also if the ship is in an The Company Flag reserved to Westminster) is brought into area with Ebola or suchlike. the loop To summarise, we took away several key After a welcoming tea or coffee, we set out impressions from the visit, first and on our tour with XO Lt Cdr Brotton foremost the tremendous dedication and explaining to us how modern naval warfare professionalism of the HMS SUTHERLAND works with the emphasis on managing officers and crew, and second that, even in information about the enemy and these days of austerity, the Royal Navy, and preventing attack as opposed to the this ship in particular, is something of historic ‘engage and destroy’ approach. We which we UK nationals and taxpayers can were shown the weapons control centre be immensely proud. where Principal Weapons Officer (PWO) Lt I close by repeating the HCMM’s warmest Cdr Chis Morgan, a former submariner, gratitude to Commander Anderson, Lt Cdrs outlined the functions of the various pieces Brotton and Westwood and all their of computer equipment. On the bridge colleagues for making us so truly welcome.

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that Mark will be a credit to both his communication and determination. I am Mentee joins mentor company and to the Honourable Company so glad I took part, and it turned out to for Manchester Ship of Master Mariners. be a really fun weekend!” All of the participants from Warsash would Canal pilotage Hydros Cup Regatta like to thank the Honourable Company of Peter McArthur Master Mariners - the Sponsors - who Sarah Longbone, Mentee Mark Llamas joined me recently made the trip possible. aboard a ship (the SAGASBANK) as I piloted HCMM Apprentice the Manchester Ship Canal from Eastham On the 17 th April, two teams of cadets and Lock to Runcorn Dock - a distance of just lecturers from Warsash Maritime Academy over 12 miles. Mark has never sailed on took part in the annual Hydros Cup Regatta this type of vessel and had never been in Le Havre, France. The regatta draws involved in ship handling without tugs as teams from the four French national his cadetship sees him serving aboard maritime academies and other maritime mainly VLCCs and ULCCs - where the rule is colleges from around Europe. Cadets from not to pass closer than 2 miles from other Warsash have for several years been vessels. Getting as close as 5 metres to representing the UK in this competition, another ship whilst underway was a very and maintaining the tradition this year new experience for him. Mark also had the were Rachel Arnold, Emma Forbes-Geary, opportunity to visit the Canal VTS service at Sarah Longbone, Rory Munro-Faure, Alden Hazard awareness Eastham, where the workings of the canal Plows, Thomas Ryan, David Skippins, and competition for were explained to him. Fergus Walker. Conditions over the two days of racing seafarers were challenging, to say the least, with In an initiative to raise awareness of winds of 20kts plus, and gusts reaching potential hazards at sea, The Standard Club over 30kts! With two teams of very mixed and the International Chamber of Shipping experience, these conditions were certainly (ICS) have joined forces to launch a Spot not ideal. Downwind legs were spent the Hazard competition open to any fighting spinnakers, with many teams of all seafarer worldwide. With USD$10,000 of nationalities going shrimping . prize money, the competition has been The two Warsash teams held their own designed to help those working at sea admirably against host teams who train identify hazards and to promote the critical and race together regularly, obtaining mid importance of accident prevention. th th The act of pilotage included some very fleet results of 6 and 7 on the first day, Seafarers entering the competition will be close quarters manoeuvring and a tight 180 despite a sea-sickness casualty! asked to identify hazards shown on a series degree swing into the confined dock space. The second day proved even windier than of images depicting typical scenes on board During the passage from Eastham to the first, and we all breathed a secret sigh ship. Seafarers are also invited to submit a Runcorn, Mark had the opportunity to steer of relief when spinnakers were banned safety idea relevant to the image that can the ship as it passed through Ellesmere Port under the race rules! A port flyer start by be shared throughout the industry. To aid and some of the other parts of the Canal - Warsash 2 gave them the lead by the end in the selection of a winner, entrants must something he managed quite well - once of the 1 st lap of the 1 st race; unfortunately include a safety idea in English for each he’d got used to the Becker Rudder and superior boat familiarity gave two very entry they submit controllable pitch propeller operation - experienced French teams the pointing neither of which he’d ever encountered In order to ensure that seafarers from all edge on the second upwind leg, and before. He also experienced, first hand, the ship departments and of all ranks can enter Warsash 2 dropped back to 3 rd place with effects of ship squat, bank rejection and the competition, it features five separate Warsash 1 just behind in 4 th . ship-to-ship interaction at close quarters images: the bridge, engine room, main- and showed considerable interest in the At the end of racing Team Warsash finished deck, galley and a port terminal scene. with a very respectable mid-fleet result of (These have been developed with the kind practical aspects of these phenomena. th 8 place. assistance of Witherby Publishing Group.) After racing had finished, there was just The instructions for entry into the time to freshen up before attending the competition have also been translated into French academy’s annual ball, with VIP Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Hindi and tickets no less! After the awards ceremony, Mandarin. Seafarers can submit entries for over 1500 attendees arrived from French as many of the five images as they wish, maritime academies across the country. A with the winner for each being awarded a very enjoyable time was had by all, with prize of USD$2,000. lots of opportunities to practice our To be chosen as a winner, entrants must Franglais’ on the locals! I am pleased to report that Mark and I got spot all ten hazards correctly and submit on very well and quickly established a good Rachel Arnold, a Phase 3 deck cadet said, the best safety idea in the category, which rapport. Mark gave good account of “Having never sailed before, never mind will be decided by the judging panel himself, was attentive, inquisitive, pleasant racing, it was an incredible experience, consisting of The Standard Club, ICS and an and charming throughout. I’m confident which required teamwork, independent third party. www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 765 Latest News

To enter the competition, seafarers simply performed a graceful 180 degree heritage site as well as Cunard’s former need to visit www.hazard-competition.com synchronised turn to starboard. At the mid- headquarters. The Red Arrows flypast at and follow the instructions provided. The point of the turn, all three ships lay across the climax of the ships manoeuvres closing date for the competition is Friday the river, creating the spectacle of the added a finishing touch to an 28 August. fleet’s three bows dramatically set against extraordinary day. There can be no more the backdrop of Liverpool’s famous Three fitting way to celebrate Cunard’s 175th Graces. QUEEN MARY 2 then sounded ‘175’ anniversary. The spectators have been Latest News on her ship’s whistle (foghorn) – first one, amazing and the numbers extraordinary then seven short blasts, then five more. – all the way from the mouth of the Cunard’s three Queens With the full turn completed and the Mersey to Pier Head, we have seen such perform river dance 150,000 ton QUEEN MARY 2 now in the enthusiastic crowds. leading position, her two 90,000 ton sister There has always been a special bond on the Mersey ships then glided slowly towards either side between Cunard and Liverpool and the of her to create an arrowhead formation, north-west, with so many people having For the first time, on 25 May 2015, with the flagship just ahead of her two worked for or with Cunard over the years. Cunard’s fleet gathered together in consort ships. There’s an emotional connection between spectacular fashion in Liverpool, its spiritual Finally, the entire fleet lined up three us. Cunard is more than just a shipping home, as the company marked its 175th abreast across the river just 130 metres line – it’s a source of pride that means so anniversary. The event culminated with the apart, as a salute to the Cunard Building much to us and everyone associated with three ships, the largest passenger ships ever and the City of Liverpool. it. It’s a real pleasure to be able to to muster together on the River Mersey, celebrate that enduring bond between us With the Three Queens in this tight lined up across the river just 130 metres all in such a special way today.” apart as the Red Arrows performed a fly- formation, the Red Arrows flew in formation low over the Three Queens as Cunard Director Angus Struthers said: past overhead to the delight of the “All of us at Cunard have been touched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. they lined up on the river, a coup de grace which created a once-in-a-lifetime the fantastic reception the Three Queens Flagship QUEEN MARY 2 sailed from the moment that thrilled the hundreds of have received from the people of Liverpool Liverpool berth up to the mouth of the thousands of spectators. and beyond today. It feels like 175 years of Mersey at 10.45am to meet her sisters, stories, people and history linking Cunard Commodore of the Cunard fleet QUEEN ELIZABETH and QUEEN VICTORIA. to the city have really come alive. With Christopher Rynd said: The three ships then sailed in close single the Red Arrows flypast adding an amazing file down the river to Liverpool’s Pier Head “It’s been a privilege to bring the Cunard extra ‘wow’, it’s been the sort of day we with its iconic Three Graces: The Royal Liver fleet together on the Mersey for the first hope parents and grandparents will Building, The Cunard Building and The Port time ever to mark Cunard’s 175th remember with their children and of Liverpool Building. anniversary year and our historic and grandchildren in years to come. ongoing partnership with Liverpool, our It’s taken a huge amount of planning QUEEN MARY 2 slowed in the river spiritual home. opposite the Cunard Building – Cunard’s and cooperation between Cunard’s ships, headquarters for nearly 50 years until 1967 After months of planning, today the the Mersey pilots and Liverpool’s cruise – with her sister ships stopping ahead of three ships have manoeuvred on the operation to make this happen and her to create a three ship line-up watched River Mersey as never before, right in today is testament to the great results by spectators of both sides of the river. front of the Cunard Building, one of that continue to come out of Cunard’s Liverpool’s Three Graces and a world Just 400 metres apart, the three ships then partnership with the city. ” The 3 Queens: Credit ©cunard3queens.com

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therefore essential and recognised by the • 66% of the seafarers that responded International shipping participating organisations. estimated that it would take them less organisations join Angus Frew, Secretary General of BIMCO, said: than three months to secure another job in the industry if they chose to leave forces to develop “The Round Table representing the their current company; and global shipping industry is taking cyber cyber security security seriously. • Basic pay and internet access were the most popular responses provided as The standards under development are guidelines for shipping improvements in conditions at sea when intended to enable equipment The Round Table of international shipping asked about changes within the past manufacturers, service personnel, yards, associations comprising BIMCO, ICS, two years. owners and operators, as well as crew, to Intercargo and INTERTANKO are developing ensure their shipboard computer-based Having provided seafarers with an standards and guidelines to address the systems are managed securely – and opportunity to provide insight on the major cyber security issues faced by the kept up-to-date to protect against the seafaring career, one of the trends that shipping industry. ever-growing threat from exploitation resonated in the responses was the Protection against malicious attacks on by criminals.” importance and value of the training and computer based systems onboard ships is skills that come with being a maritime now hitting the top of the agenda for professional: “Life at sea is exciting, shipping organisations in all corners of the Seafarer survey shows challenging and very educational. The skills world. The International Maritime that anyone can receive from this job cannot Organization (IMO) has already heard calls majority are content be compared to anything else ashore.” for action and the insurance industry repeatedly lists the issue as one for concern. with life at sea The survey also points towards the impact A new survey being carried out as part of that increased regulation of the industry The Round Table has made a submission to the BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report 2015 is has had on the seafaring profession. One the IMO on this vital issue outlining the directly engaging seafarers in order to seafarer responded: “This is a great career, steps taken by the industry to address any understand their views on life at sea and but an increasingly technical and vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities can be outlook for the industry’s manpower in the administrative one so it is no longer as numerous and the threats imminent – the years ahead. Preliminary results of the new much an adventure as simply a job, albeit question of protection is a complex set of survey indicate that the majority of one with the possibility of adventure!” issues and not just about operating a respondents are content with life at sea. firewall on a ship or installing virus scanning The rich qualitative opinions that software on the onboard computers. All of The BIMCO/ICS Manpower Report, which accompany the responses will supplement the major systems on a modern ship are has been published every five years since and augment the analysis in the final controlled and monitored by software; these 1990, has traditionally been based on two Manpower Report. include the main engine, steering and main quantitative data sources from which In reviewing some of the preliminary navigation systems, and the ballast water the current seafarer supply and demand results, Mr Aron Sørensen, Chief Marine and cargo handling equipment. situation is estimated: a questionnaire Technical Officer at BIMCO, said: completed by shipping companies and a To address this problem and help the questionnaire completed by national “This survey has provided us with insight industry to protect itself against these risks, maritime administrations. into the views of seafarers today. the Round Table is already working with Understanding the key issues for industry partners on a number of In addition to those sources, the new seafarers is especially valuable when complementary projects to develop Manpower Report will also solicit the attracting and recruiting talented young standards and guidelines to address the opinions from a wider number of maritime people to the shipping industry.” cyber security issues. This guidance to ship professionals with knowledge of the sharp owners and operators includes how to: end of the manpower supply situation, With preparations of the Manpower Report including seafarers, lecturers at maritime 2015 continuing apace, Natalie Shaw, • minimize the risk of a cyber-attack education and training (MET) institutions, Director of Employment Affairs at ICS, said: through user access management; manning agents, maritime unions, and port “We have just launched a second of the • protect on board systems; welfare workers. new series of surveys, targeting lecturers at maritime education and training • develop contingency plans; The survey of seafarers is the first of the institutions. We look forward to targeted surveys for this year’s report. More • manage incidents if they do occur. gathering information and views from than 500 seafarers have already responded those at the forefront of maritime The Round Table (through BIMCO) and CIRM to the survey, representing over 40 training which will be used to enrich the (Comité International Radio-Maritime) are nationalities. Some of the other preliminary 2015 Manpower Report.” also in the final phase of developing a findings include: standard for the maintenance and update of • Happy ships, timely wage payments The survey for lecturers at maritime programmable electronic systems. and career promotion opportunities education and training (MET) institutions These programs are all interrelated and were the most popular responses can be found online at: address how industry stakeholders should indicated when seafarers were asked www.maritimemanpower.com/questionnaire develop, manage, update and secure about the important factors that -overview/met-questionnaire-2/. computer-based systems onboard ships. influenced their decisions to stay with The survey explores the status of the Coordination between these programmes is their current employers; current recruitment and training intake, www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 767 Latest News

training standards, training techniques, and that Internet access onboard makes life at implementation of the latest amendments sea easier and a number of respondents to the STCW Convention. expressed the concern that if connectivity does not become common on vessels, the Meanwhile… industry might be unable to attract any new seafarers in the future . Crewtoo, the leading social media platform for seafarers, has launched the Crewtoo Crewtoo began surveying its approximately Seafarers Happiness Index to monitor 110,000 members in January 2015, asking important benchmarks of seafarer them to rate their satisfaction about life at satisfaction on a regular basis. sea using a scale of 1-10 with a score of 10 being the happiest, and 1 being the The inaugural report shows a seafarer unhappiest. The Crewtoo Seafarers satisfaction level of 6.42 on a scale of 1 to Happiness Index data includes responses Alastair Marsh 10 about key issues including general from globally based crews, and answers were happiness, contact with family, shore leave, received from across all ranks and Since Richard Sadler’s appointment as CEO wage levels, food, fitness and health, nationalities including seafarers from the in 2007, he and the executive team have training, interaction onboard, workload, Philippines, UK, Poland, Croatia, Germany, US, implemented a group strategy that has and access to welfare facilities. Data for the Canada, India, and Turkey, as well as a seen Lloyd’s Register (LR) diversify its first report is based on surveys conducted number of African nations. The age of survey service portfolio and grow to a £1bn in the first three months of 2015. respondents ranged from 16 to the late 60s. turnover business. This period saw the Subsequent reports will be published Masters made up the largest proportion of creation of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation approximately every three months based on responses by rank; some 11% of respondents in 2012, maximising the group’s surveys conducted on an ongoing basis. stated that they were currently serving in the contribution to society, and technology Crewtoo, founded in 2011, is part of KVH role of captain. The majority of responses leadership through LR’s Global Technology Media Group and KVH Industries, Inc. were from seafarers working on bulk carriers Centres in Southampton and Singapore. “It is all well and good to talk about and container vessels. After eight years in the role, Richard seafarers and the realities of life at sea, but The Crewtoo Seafarers Happiness Index is indicated to the Board that he would like until now there has been very little designed to be part of an ongoing to step down and pursue new challenges. confirmation as to how seafarers actually campaign to raise awareness about crews’ The Board started the process to search for feel about their jobs”, says Anneley Pickles, opinions and to assist with the continual and appoint a new CEO to write the next head of Crewtoo business development. improvement of conditions onboard to chapter of LR’s 255 year history. “For us, it comes down to one fundamental retain and recruit seafarers. Quantifying Over the past six months, the Board of issue: Are seafarers happy? We felt it vital and qualifying how happy people are with Directors have conducted an internal and to develop a means of measuring and the various elements of their working life external review of potential successors and reporting this issue, which led to the at sea helps to build a picture of the have unanimously agreed that Alastair Marsh creation of the Crewtoo Seafarers industry and of the successes, but also the possesses the capability and leadership to Happiness Index ”. issues and problems to be addressed. take on the role as LR’s next CEO. “Satisfied, well fed, fit, and engaged Alastair Marsh joined LR as Group Financial seafarers are vital to the present and future Controller in April 2007 and was appointed of the industry”, says Ms. Pickles. “Happy as Group Finance Director in April 2008. people stick around, happy people work Previously he held a number of senior well, they embrace challenges, they look to financial management positions, including excel and share with others. In short, CFO and Company Secretary of Superscape happiness matters and it needs to be Group plc, and prior to that he held similar measured, assessed, and understood. The roles at Easynet Group plc, Laporte plc, and lessons then need to be applied to ensure NCR Corporation. that we are looking after seafarers properly and responding to their wants and needs”. Alastair is a graduate in Business Studies and Accounting from Edinburgh University The Crewtoo Seafarers Happiness Index and a member of the Institute of Chartered report can be downloaded from: Accountants of Scotland. He worked with http://survey.crewtoo.com/happiness Price Waterhouse for five years, in both their Edinburgh and Brisbane offices, on a broad range of audit and corporate finance New CEO for Lloyd’s clients, covering a wide range of industries. Register Alastair also sits on the Board as Executive The issues that concerned seafarers the Lloyd’s Register’s Richard Sadler has taken Director and a number of Boards of most, as detailed in the first report, the decision to step down as CEO at the end subsidiary companies. included the need for onboard Internet of 2015, after eight years in the role. The Richard will pass the CEO role to Alastair on access, the risk of stress and fatigue from Lloyd’s Register Group Ltd Board of Directors the 1st October 2015 and commence a increasing workloads, and the lack of shore has announced the appointment of current formal handover period until the end of leave. For example, seafarers mentioned CFO, Alastair Marsh, as his successor. December 2015. Simon Nice, currently

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Group FP&A Director, will take up the role existing vessel operated by the company. The yard subsequently noticed that the of Interim Group Financial Director during Prior to beginning the design work, the davits were flexing under operation, even the transition. parties entered into a design agreement without the lifeboats. An internal Richard Sadler said: under which the naval architect’s liability investigation within the naval architect’s was limited to approximately $750,000. office determined that an error had “When I was appointed in 2007, I made a occurred whereby information provided by public commitment that I would serve as Shortly after the vessel was launched, the the manufacturer had not been CEO for five years. After eight years in operator noticed various issues relating to converted correctly by the naval architect’s the role I believe it is now time to step its performance, including vibration, lack of computer program, with the result that the down to pursue new challenges while manoeuvrability and stopping capability. calculations were out by a factor of 1000. I’m still young enough. It has been a The vehicle loading ramp was also at an This error was not identified during the great honour to serve as CEO of LR – it is excessive angle in certain conditions, naval architect’s quality assurance process a unique organisation with a history, making the loading of vehicles difficult and, as a result, the structural platform, as purpose and values of which I am and, in some cases, impossible. The designed and built, was not fit for purpose. immensely proud”. operators took the view that urgent rectification work was required so that The yard raised a formal complaint advising improvements could be made before the the naval architect that the work on the approaching summer season. davit support structure had to be rectified The vessel was drydocked and third-party because of the error. A few months later it experts were engaged to provide a report claimed that rectification had cost detailing the extent of the problems and £347,254. ITIC assessed the claim and was their potential causes. Based on the also able to raise arguments that the findings of the report, the operators contract terms excluded some components brought a claim for $3.5m against the of the claim and that the yard should not naval architect, alleging that the have started construction before the performance issues were attributable to classification society had approved the Richard Sadler design errors. The operators subsequently designs. A settlement was eventually agreed at £255,000. Alastair Marsh said: acknowledged that the naval architect’s “I feel very privileged to have been asked liability was limited to $750,000. by the LR Board to take over from ITIC appointed an expert naval architect to International Salvage Richard as CEO. I am passionate about LR inspect the vessel and comment on the Union 2014 statistics as an organisation and I am delighted to extent to which the apparent performance have been given the opportunity to lead issues could be attributed to design errors. show the great LR through what promises to be exciting The expert found that the naval architect and challenging times ahead for the was at fault, but that the claimant had benefit of the clients and industries we serve.” incurred significantly more costly and salvage industry LR’s Chairman, Thomas Thune Andersen, extensive rectification work than was The International Salvage Union (ISU) said: necessary. ITIC entered into negotiations annual statistics for 2014 show a vibrant with the operators in order to resolve the “I would like to thank Richard for his industry providing vital services to the matter, and the claim was settled for dedication, vision, drive and passion in shipping industry which help protect slightly less than the limit of liability under leading LR over the past seven years. I shipowners and insurers from huge the contract. have every confidence that Alastair will financial losses. For example, in Lloyd’s uphold LR’s values and build on Richard’s In another case reported by ITIC, a naval Open Form (LOF) cases alone, US$1.2 billion achievements to ensure the continued architect entered into a contract with a of property (ship and cargo) was salved success of LR”. shipyard to design the structure and access relating to cases where revenue was arrangements for new lifeboats and their realised during 2014. davits to be fitted to a specific vessel. The The ISU 2014 annual statistics relate to Naval architects naval architect undertook the design income which ISU members received in count the cost of analysis, using data received from the 2014 but which may be due from cases in manufacturer of the lifeboats, and previous years. Gross revenues from all ship design errors produced design drawings. activity was US$ 775 million, almost International Transport Intermediaries Club It was understood that the yard was to seek exactly the same as the previous year’s (ITIC) says recent claims experience classification society approval of these figure of US$ 772. There is a notable demonstrates that naval architects need to designs before starting the build work increase in revenue from sources other be aware of the need to protect against under the terms of the yard’s contract with than Lloyd’s Open Form work. their exposure to liability for damages the shipowner. However, due to time At the same time a fall in revenue from resulting from errors in design work. restraints and pressure from the shipowner, wreck removal activity probably reflects the ITIC cites by way of example a case the yard decided to start building prior to conclusion or winding down during this involving the operator of a passenger and obtaining class approval. period of major cases such as the COSTA ro-ro ferry service which appointed a naval The lifeboat support structure was CONCORDIA and RENA. architect to design a landing craft ferry. manufactured and installed by the yard There has been a significant increase in the The design was to be based on that of an according to the naval architect’s design. number of non-LOF cases boosting the www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 769 Latest News

one occasion to unleash torpedoes. Now no longer needed as a base for Royal Navy Reservists – they now meet at Lisburn – the ship is being returned to her Jutland glory in a £14m revamp which will be completed in time for the battle’s centenary. With no colour photography available from the earlier years of the ship’s life, it looked impossible to determine the warship’s true livery a century ago. That was until expert Jef Maytom discovered paint samples close to Caroline’s bridge. He said: “This finding rewrites the rule book for historians specialising in naval and maritime history. It is the equivalent of a palaeontologist being able to finally total number of cases recorded to 249, up but the way in which our members prove that dinosaurs were a specific from 196 in 2013. The overall trend is a receive their income has changed. There colour or had feathers.” clear increase in the number of non-LOF is a noticeable rise in operations overall The research shows the cruiser has enjoyed cases and a continuing decline in the but a fall in LOF cases. Correspondingly, many paint schemes through her life number of LOF cases. LOF revenue has income from LOF is in decline while anywhere from a beige-cream to a rather correspondingly fallen. It is down from income from commercial contracts is up. dark grey at her launch in 1914. US$202 in 2013 to US$181 in 2014. Nevertheless, LOF salved values are a Non-LOF revenue for 2014 was US$ 146 up good indicator of the benefit of our from US$ 62 last time, a significant industry. It shows that our members increase. It reflects a preference by salved US$ 1.2 billion (the combined shipowners to use commercial terms other value of cargo and vessel) worth of than LOF. It continues to be a concern for property that was in peril at sea. And ISU which believes that LOF has great paying 15% of the total value to save benefits in emergency response cases. the whole of a marine adventure from Importantly LOF revenues include the potential loss represents good value. element of encouragement that has been As with our pollution prevention statistics an underlying principle of salvage for it helps to verify the importance of the centuries. It ensures that it is worthwhile commercial salvage industry and its value for salvors to maintain a response to shipowners and insurers.” capability in an uncertain sector where HSM CAROLINE in 1916, Battle of Jutland The full statistics can be downloaded from: income is not predictable. Their discoveries should lead to a better http://www.marine-salvage.com/pdfs/ LOF revenue as a percentage of salved understanding of the liveries used by navies values fell from 16.34% in 2013 to 15.2% during World War 1 – and, crucially, they’ve in 2014. This includes cases where the Experts uncover 38 also found that there are no toxins in the settlement was agreed and those that went various layers of paint caking CAROLINE to arbitration. Generally, settled cases are shades of grey as they which could threaten wildlife in her home more simple and arbitrated cases more restore Royal Navy’s in Alexandra Dock or Harbour. complex. The great majority of LOF cases, around 75%, are settled. last Jutland survivor Wreck removal revenue has fallen from Experts working on the restoration of New Wildcat’s first US$ 458 in 2013 to US$ 394 in 2014 as cruiser HMS CAROLINE have sliced through landing on HMS OCEAN well-known cases were concluded or her history to reveal the exact paint winding down. The number of wreck scheme she ‘wore’ when she sailed for the The Royal Navy’s commando carrier HMS removal cases was up dramatically from 48 Battle of Jutland at the end of May 1916. OCEAN has operated the Navy’s latest attack helicopter, the Wildcat, for the first time. to 91. Wreck removal cases also include CAROLINE spent 85 years of her Royal Navy other marine services such as bunker career as the headquarters for naval The Wildcat which entered service last year removal and cargo recovery as well as reservists in Belfast. Before that, however, at a commissioning ceremony held at Royal dealing with wrecked hulls. Despite the fall she was one of the greyhounds of the Fleet, Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, in wreck removal income in 2014, the trend scouting ahead of the capital ships on the landed on the Plymouth-based ship during shows the increasing importance of this hunt for the enemy. She was one of more a major exercise. work for ISU members. than 150 British warships which locked The Royal Navy’s first Wildcat began its Commenting on the statistics, ISU President horns with the Kaiser’s High Seas Fleet in operational deployment at sea this year Leendert Muller said: the North Sea at Jutland, when she and, after extensive trials, the chance “Gross revenues have remained stable charged at the German lines on at least finally arose for HMS OCEAN’s air crew to

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see the aircraft at close quarters during The crew numbers 380 personnel including Royal Marines from 539 Assault Squadron Exercise Joint Warrior in the North Sea. 9 Assault Squadron Royal Marines who Royal Marines and 42 Commando helped operate four landing craft. deliver equipment, supplies and food HMS OCEAN took over from HMS packages to remote areas of Sierra Leone BULWARK on the morning of Monday 1 over six months. June having recently proved her operational capability in an intense multinational amphibious exercise off Scotland. The ship will sail next month for the first of a series of exercises that will demonstrate the flexibility of the warship for tasks ranging from the delivery of humanitarian aid to the full range of amphibious operations. First W ildcat landing Ocean is also paving the way for HMS Leading Airman Ryan Lawson, one of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH which will assume the OCEAN’s leading aircraft handlers and role of the Royal Navy’s Flagship when she RFA Argus arrives at Falmouth Docks marshaller, was one of the first to bring the enters service. While ARGUS has left Sierra Leone, the UK Wildcat onboard. He said: HMS OCEAN recently completed fitting mission is far from over. “The Wildcat had a unique appearance new communications and IT systems which The UK remains committed to the fight compared to other Lynx aircraft that we now allows the ship to host a staff, headed against Ebola in Sierra Leone with 300 are used to seeing. by a Rear Admiral, commanding UK and military personnel remaining in country. NATO Task Groups. I personally feel privileged and honoured This contribution is made up of command to say that I was one of the very first As well as the ship’s role as the Royal and control, logisticians, planners and people to marshal the next generation of Navy’s Flagship, the headquarters staff in medics. ARGUS’ capabilities have been naval aircraft onto the flight deck of OCEAN will be the Maritime Component transferred to other agencies which are HMS Ocean.’’ Commander of the NATO Response Force well placed to take on the roles. Replacing the Lynx helicopter, the Wildcat (NRF) in 2016. has many improvements, making it a Hosting this key NATO role in the Fleet significantly more capable aircraft. Flagship demonstrates the UK’s Ports News It has a redesigned tail rotor system commitment to NATO and the Alliance’s improving the strength and stealth of the regional partners. £2.1 million aircraft whilst the aircrew benefit from the In preparation for the NATO role, OCEAN investment announced improved state-of-the-art cockpit with and the staff will take command of a series high tech communications, crash worthy- of major multinational exercises being run for Port of Swansea armoured seats and full 360 degree colour throughout the summer and autumn which Associated British Ports (ABP), owner surveillance radar. will validate the ability to command Task and operator of the Port of Swansea, Groups comprising over 50 warships. The Wildcat, like its predecessor can be used has recently announced it will be in a variety of roles including anti-ship and investing £2.1 million in upgrading the anti-submarine protection, casualty outer lock gates at the Port of Swansea. evacuation, battlefield reconnaissance, and RFA ARGUS arrives This marks the first in a series of as a general utility helicopter. back in the UK after investments, which will total around £7 HMS OCEAN is the Royal Navy’s helicopter million over the next four years, which carrier and amphibious assault ship, Sierra Leone ABP is making to improve infrastructure designed to deliver troops to the centre of at the Port of Swansea and support on- deployment going business growth. the action by helicopter or by landing craft. RFA ARGUS has arrived back in the UK having She can operate six helicopters on her flight completed its deployment to Sierra Leone The Port of Swansea currently handles deck with space in the hangar to hold, where it supported the fight against Ebola. around 600,000 tonnes of cargo transport and maintain many more aircraft. annually, primarily for the coal, paper, Her embarked helicopters from 820 Naval agricultural and recyclable sectors and Air Squadron departed on Monday 6 April, it is also the base for a specialist and the ship arrived back into Falmouth on dry dock facility offering full ship 7 April at 0800. repair and environmentally compliant ARGUS deployed to Sierra Leone from vessel demolition. Falmouth in October 2014 to provide Director of ABP south Wales, Matthew aviation and amphibious support and Kennerley, said: medical capability to the Department for “Investing in major infrastructure International Development-led effort improvements is essential for against the spread of Ebola. ensuring our ports are modern and Her three Merlin helicopters from 820 fit-for-purpose. The new outer lock HMS OCEAN Naval Air Squadron and detachment of gates will mean that the Port of www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 771 Ports News

Swansea can continue to operate significant proportion of the city’s will never rest on our laurels. We are effectively for many years to come cruise turnaround calls, now features a committed to investing heavily in our and will remain a contributor to both remodelled open plan interior, with facilities in order to help port-related the Welsh and UK economy as it expanded security, check in and businesses grow and provide world- helps businesses to move their cargo passenger reception areas. It will class service to their customers.” from A to B. provide passengers with an enhanced The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of We are committed to investing in the experience at the start and finish of four in Southampton and regular callers Port of Swansea and all of our ports in their holiday. include the QM2, VENTURA and the South Wales to help us to ABP Southampton says the project has brand-new BRITANNIA. accommodate increasing cargo been critical to ensure Southampton More than 200 staff have been working volumes and the global trend of bigger retains its title as Europe’s Leading on the renovation over the winter vessels. Ports by their very nature are Cruise Turnaround Port amidst a months and other improvements to the constantly evolving to accommodate predicted rise in passengers. terminal include additional passenger changes in cargo trends and the ability and baggage x-ray machines and a to be flexible is crucial to their success. complete redesign of the drop-off and It is therefore essential that we pick-up area. continually improve efficiency to ensure that our operations, and our Iconic brands such as P&O Cruises have customers’ operations, are as been synonymous with Southampton competitive as possible. for over 175 years. Today over 280 of Within the past six months, we have Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to invested £1 million in upgrading the port are by the cruise brands of the facilities at the fertiliser terminal in Carnival Group. Swansea and will be announcing a series of additional investment in the coming years.” Monty’s Freedom The lock gates are designed by Dutch Flame makes specialist contactor Ravestein who Opening the cruise terminal recently completed the special design, historic crossing construction and installation of new The increased number of cruise ships Back in 1948 Field Marshall Viscount inner lock gates at ABP’s Port of Cardiff. visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Bernard Montgomery, best known as Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Monty lit a flame for freedom on the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger seafront in Southsea. It was designed to volume to increase by 25 per cent at celebrate liberation, and toured Europe Southampton over the next two years. with its message of peace before finding a permanent home in Holland Steven Young, director of port services & government affairs at Carnival UK, said: 67 years later D-Day veterans and Monty’s granddaughter have relit the “The Carnival cruise business at flame at a moving ceremony in Southampton continues to go from Portsmouth, sending it on its way once strength to strength and with the again from the waterfront city. The introduction of new larger ships such freedom flame travelled to France from as P&O Cruises Britannia, it is Portsmouth International Port, important that improvement to the accompanied by two D-Day veterans. cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace. With the George Lord and John Ainsworth carried reopened Mayflower terminal we aim the flame in a specially designed to keep this as free flowing and lantern, the same type that brought the stressless as possible. Olympic flame from Athens to London The Port of Swansea in 2012. This meant it was safe to travel The improved passenger lounge, on Brittany Ferries’ MONT ST MICHEL together with increased check in and and the veterans handed it over to £6m cruise terminal security areas will allow us to ensure Captain Bertrand Cuvillier who placed it just that and give our customers on the bridge overnight for safekeeping, refurbishment passing through Southampton the before giving it back the next morning. very best passenger experience with Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise reduced congestion.” The flame had arrived at the passenger Terminal has reopened following a terminal at Portsmouth International multi-million pound refurbishment that Nick Ridehalgh, ABP Southampton Port after a procession through the city will enable it to cater for some of the director, added: that followed the same route as in largest cruise vessels afloat, long into “We are incredibly proud to hold the 1948. Lady Arabella Stuart-Smith, the future. title of Europe’s Leading Cruise Monty’s granddaughter, lit the lantern The terminal, which handles a Turnaround Port but, as always, we and at the same time helped to relight

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the story of the freedom flame. from the company’s base in Deest by barge. for Volkswagen at the port, which has Having arrived safely in Caen the flame Crane barges were used to remove the old created around 100 new jobs in the area. was taken to key D-Day landmarks, and gates and install the new ones, and the old Miles Hearn, Port Director, said: gates will be taken back to Holland to be handed over to a Dutch Marine on Sword “We are keen to progress our strategic dismantled and recycled. Beach. He then carried it to a team of commitment to grow and develop the cyclists, who took it through France and The entire replacement process took a week Port of Sheerness over the next 20 years back to the Dutch/Belgian border. to complete and the lock at King George and showcase our long term ambition to Dock is now functioning as normal. remain a key employer and driver for sustainable growth in the Swale region. A more resilient The response to our public consultations future for Port of Hull Community shows has been phenomenal and the fact that almost 300 people attended them shows Following a £5 million project to replace support for 20 year how important the future of the port is the inner and outer gates at Grimsby’s to people in the area. Royal Dock, the Port of Hull has now seen master plan for Port the replacement of a set of gates at King This Master Plan has been developed George Dock. of Sheerness because Peel Ports has made a long- Peel Ports’ plans for a 20 year growth strategy term, strategic commitment to grow and The new inner gates, which each measure for the Port of Sheerness have received develop the Port of Sheerness. The over 24 metres wide and 13 metres high overwhelming backing from local residents, Master Plan sets out our intentions of and weigh-in at an enormous 140 tonnes, according to the results of a community and how we plan to develop the port so it represent a £3 million investment by stakeholder consultation programme. remains a key employer and driver for Associated British Ports (ABP) in the Port of growth in the Swale region for the next The Port of Sheerness Master Plan was Hull’s infrastructure and will improve two decades. created by Peel Ports to inform the local resiliency on the port estate. Our Master Plan is very much a community and key stakeholders of its collaborative process that we believe will proposals for sustainable expansion of the have a significant and lasting impact on port estate, and to gather feedback. the Swale region.” The Master Plan also details Peel Ports’ Peel Ports will now undertake a ambition to create around 1,250 jobs over comprehensive review of all feedback the next 20 years, enabling it to remain a received during the public consultation so key employer and investor in the region. changes and additions to the draft Master In total 298 people attended a series of Plan can be considered. consultation events held over three days in The publication of the final Master Plan is November 2014 at Sheppey Gateway and expected in 2016. Eastchurch Village Hall. The public was given a chance to discuss the five options for growth outlined in the Master Plan, which include a heritage quarter redevelopment, a mixed use development The new inner lock gates are installed at incorporating a marina, as well as rail link King George Dock from Sheerness to Liverpool. Senior Project Engineer Kevin Malton Feedback forms from the public explains why the gates needed replacing: consultation events identified strong “The old gates had been in situ for over support from local residents and forty years and had gone past the point stakeholders, with 83% of respondents of economical repair. It was essential expressing their full backing for the that we invest in new equipment to proposals outlined. ensure the lock gates were fit for In particular plans to redevelop the site of purpose and met the needs of ABP and the former steelworks facility were its customers, as well as other port users. supported by 87% of respondents, with 84% It was decided that investment was of respondents keen to see a mixed use needed in the inner gates first and development or marina at Garrison Point. foremost, and the decision was taken to Feedback revealed that 94% of respondents replace them completely.” recognise the Port of Sheerness has a The old gates have now been replaced by significant impact on the area providing brand new bespoke steel, semi-buoyant economic benefits and employment equipment, which has been fabricated in creation and retention. Peel Ports’ has Holland by specialist marine engineering already committed to filling these jobs with firm Ravestein. local people wherever possible. The gates have taken nine months to The proposals come less than a year since construct and were brought over to Hull Peel Ports opened a new inspection centre The Port of Sheerness www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 773 Features

from Southampton for Brazilian ports with On track to deliver Features 306 First, 66 Second and 632 Third class Rail freight facilities at the Port of passengers. Taken up as a troopship, she Felixstowe, the Port of Britain, have Jotting Monthly saw service in 1915 during the Dardanelles expanded further with the commissioning Glyn L Evans campaign and was used as a base for this of two new Rail Mounted Gantry cranes by General Sir Charles Monro and his staff, (RMGs) at the port’s North Rail Terminal. The sinking of HMT ARAGON with Lord Kitchener being a frequent visitor. In December 1917 ARAGON The fresh footprints of the OOW, seen here embarked troops, mainly engineers, plus on the newly-scrubbed quarterdeck of HMS 150 nurses at Marseilles and sailed on the HERO, help to explain this naval rating’s 20 th of that month for Alexandria with the lugubrious expression. HMS ATTACK as escort during the later stage of the voyage. The following account is extracted from The Royal Mail War Book – being an account of the operations of the Ships of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co., 1914 – 1919 by H W Leslie: “At ten past ten on the morning of 30 th December, during her final approach to Alexandria, ARAGON received a message from ATTACK: “Channel not swept yet. Shall have to stay outside until 1pm. I propose zig-zagging up and down at high speed.” The new RMGs Fifteen minutes later HM Trawler POINTS Commenting on the latest developments, CASTLE came into sight blowing her steam Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of whistle and flying “N G S,” the the Port of Felixstowe, said: international code signal for “Follow me.” “The Port of Felixstowe already has Evidently the channel was now clear; greater rail capability than any other Captain Bateman of ARAGON altered port in the UK. In 2014, we handled course and, at half speed, followed POINTS 890,000 TEU at our three rail terminals CASTLE towards Alexandria with two other on the 60 arrivals or departures we have trawlers sweeping ahead. Very quickly, every day. Volumes by rail are continuing ATTACK was back on the scene and to grow and are now over 20% higher signalled to ARAGON , “You have no right to take orders from a trawler. I am Senior than before we opened the North Rail Far from “jolly” jack tar on HMS Hero’s Naval Officer, follow my instructions.” She Terminal in 2013. quarterdeck The frequency of services we can offer then hoisted flag “W” with a ball The original watercolour, painted for me by makes rail a much more reliable and underneath, the convoy order “Follow me.” the highly-regarded artist, Sean Bolan, ATTACK and Aragon then headed back out viable alternative to 17 destinations in contrasts with his usual depictions of to sea. That mines were a real threat is the UK helping to reduce road officers and men of the various Guards evidenced by the fact that the Fleet congestion and allowing customers to Divisions. It is Sean I have to thank for a Auxiliary OSMANIEH was sunk the next strip carbon out of their supply chains. collection of old press cuttings that came day, after striking a mine laid off the port. The new cranes will help us to move into his possession, leading me to research even greater volumes by rail in future.” the sinking of HMT ARAGON on 30 th The new cranes are manufactured by December, 1917. Liebherr and have been co-financed by the European Union Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme. In total, Felixstowe has nine rail cranes and 16 tracks at its three terminals making it the largest intermodal rail facility in the UK. Leading rail freight companies Freightliner, GB Railfreight and DB Schenker all operate ARAGON in her wartime role as troop rail services at Felixstowe. Regular rail transport services are run from Felixstowe to No sooner had ARAGON left the swept Birmingham, Manchester, Trafford Park, RMSP Co’s ARAGON in her peacetime role channel and reached the open sea than she Scunthorpe, Hams Hall, Daventry, Launched in 1905 at Harland & Wolff’s was hit by a torpedo from the German Wakefield, Bristol, Doncaster, Ditton, Belfast shipyard for the Royal Mail Steam minelaying submarine UC – 34 Liverpool, Selby, Leeds, Tilbury, Teesport, Packet Company, ARAGON set off on her (Oberleutenant zur See H Obermuller) and Burton-on-Trent and Coatbridge. maiden voyage on 14 th July of that year rapidly began to sink. An account in the

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Birmingham Post, February 1918, under the Staff Nurse Grace Findlay gave The Daily These newspaper clippings prompted me to heading NURSES VIVID STORY reports: Sketch of 16 th February “a thrilling” re-read a report of the sinking of ARAGON “About 10.30 in the morning we could see account of her experiences: “I shall never as described by Stuart Nicol in his book, land.” she writes. “At 10.55 there was a forget the sensation when the ship was Macqueen’s Legacy - Ships of the Royal terrible crash. The steward got me outside torpedoed. The noise was dreadful, and Mail Line . In that report, recalling the fine and gave me my lifebelt. I ran up two everyone had to get ready for their discipline on board ARAGON , the ship’s flights of stairs to our boat stations. In a lifeboats. The sisters were the first to be put senior surviving officer said: “It is a proud minute we had orders to get into the boats, into these boats, along with several boys tribute to be able to pay to the soldiers and which we promptly did without any who were wounded by the torpedo. Neither ship’s company that not one of the nurses confusion. We were lowered – which was a shall I ever forget the bravery of the soldiers even got wet. All were landed safely and shaky business – a doctor and a colonel as they stood on deck and called on them intact.” This recollection prompted a accompanying us, and we got away from to cheer up while the great boat was fast response, also in Nicol’s book, from Alex M the ship as soon as we could. By that time sinking underneath them. At last the Hamilton who, as an officer in the Royal we could see the stern of ARAGON down in lifeboats got clear away, and the words rang Engineers, was on board ARAGON . He says: the water and her bows in the air. The out, “Are we downhearted?” and the ringing “When the torpedo struck I reported to my troops on board were singing. By Jove, it reply came “No!” It was then the destroyer boat station and assisted in filling the boats took some doing.” came alongside and rescued a large number with nurses. Sliding down the ship’s side, I From another cutting, Miss Agnes Mitchell, a of men.” Nurse Findlay and others in her was holding on to the outside of a porthole VAD nurse wrote: “The tommies, of whom boat were picked up by minesweepers. The when I heard a second explosion. I have a we had many on board, were perfect ARAGON sank in twenty minutes, and the hazy recollection of being crushed by “bricks.” They stood at their various posts destroyer was alive with men when the wreckage and some six hours later was and cheered us when our boats left the submarine torpedoed her also.” picked up unconscious, by a trawler, and sinking ship – cheered us although many of landed at Alexandria where I spent six and a them were never to see land again. We got half months at Ras-el-Tin Military Officers off safely from the fated vessel and, as we Hospital… I recovered and am today were luckily very near shore (twelve miles (November 1962) supervising the business off) there were several trawlers quite close which I commenced after being invalided to us. They steamed up to us and we were out in the year 1919.” That business was hoisted safely in to them. We then tuned Alex M Hamilton & Co., the Pacific Steam our attention to the boys struggling in the Navigation Co.’s agents at Belfast. water. Our ship had by this time disappeared There the story might have ended but for stern first, so that for a few seconds she the fact that, from my career as a marine seemed to stand perpendicular in the water. insurance underwriter in Liverpool in the We were delighted to see the boys being The final moments of ARAGON 1960s, I remember dealing with a company safely taken to the torpedo-destroyer which HMS ATTACK broke in half and sank in of shipping and forwarding agents in had remained with us as escort.” five minutes. Belfast by the name of Alex M Hamilton. With the help of my friend and retired This was a fine example of the Birkenhead Another contemporary newspaper cutting master mariner, Andrew Jaggers of Bangor, drill in action – women and children first. reports, TRANSPORTS, SUNK IN THE Co. Down, I was able to establish that the MEDITERRANEAN ——— 809 Lives Lost. The Company is still in business (now as Secretary of the Admiralty made the Hamilton Shipping) and, further, I was put following announcement on Wednesday: in touch with its Group Managing Director, The transport ARAGON (Captain Francis Gordon Hamilton. Bateman in command) was torpedoed and sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean on Promptly responding to my enquiries, December 30. One of HM , while Gordon told me Alex M Hamilton was his picking up the survivors was herself great uncle who subsequently left the firm torpedoed and sunk. The mercantile fleet in the hands of Gordon’s late father, James. auxiliary OSMANIEH (Lieutenant- Gordon was too modest to mention his Commander D R Mason RNR in command) prowess on the rugby field, but I can report stuck a mine and sank in approximately the he gained ten caps at International level for same locality on December 31. The Ireland and scored a fantastic try against casualties were as follows:- Australia in the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

Aragon Osmanieh Total Officers, including the Captains 437 Crew 15 21 36 Military Officers 10 1 11 Soldiers 581 166 747 Female Nurses -88 Total 610 199 809 Women and children first www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 775 Features

Gordon kindly sent me copies of two letters from 1919, when great uncle Alex had th returned to his native Belfast. On 5 May sail. Construction took exactly two years he wrote to a former business and on May 19 th , 1890, she was launched acquaintance, Captain P F Donnelly, Marine by the Tsar Alexander III, who died only Superintendent, Isthmian Steamship Lines, four years later. 11 Broadway, New York, seeking support for his new business venture. In that letter he says: “Since I saw you last I have been through Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Italy, France and Belgium, holding a commission in the . I had the misfortune to be on board H.M.T. ARAGON when that steamer was torpedoed in the Eastern Mediterranean. I was four hours in the water before being picked up and then spent five months in Ras-el-Tin Military Officers Hospital, Alexandria, having been crushed and developing Pneumonia and Polar Star carried a crew of 349, including Pleurisy following the immersion. I am now nineteen officers and sometimes a boy’s at home on Medical leave and may be choir, as seen here in a photograph taken in released from the Army any day now.” Algiers by a local photographer. Deeply Captain Donnelly, who must have had some religious the Tsar and his family would have Irish blood in him, replied on 20 th June: “I had Divine service daily. hope that you have regained, by this time, your usual good health and that your spirit “Off to the Reserves!” is as buoyant as the zephyr that blows over the hilltops of Erin.” In June 1910 a squadron of the Imperial The Captain went on to list a selection of Russian Navy arrived at Cherbourg, personal contacts that, history proves, gave Alex bringing the Tsar, Nicholas II, and his family, the start to his business he was hoping for. including the tsarevitch, Alexei A final, sad reminder of those who did not Nicholaevich, on a State Visit to France. survive the sinking of ARAGON comes from They sailed on the Imperial yacht, “Polar an account in the Birmingham Post of 11 th Star”. Included in the visiting Russian February 1918, under the heading: THE squadron escorting the Imperial Yacht, was The ship had two vertical triple expansion LAST OF THE ARAGON’S CAPTAIN. The crew the armoured cruiser Oleg , built in 1903, steam engines, twin bronze screws and ten of the torpedoed transport Aragon reached one of the few capital ships that had boilers. After sea trials in the March 1891, home on Saturday. They spoke escaped the disastrous Naval defeat by the enthusiastically of the conduct of the Japanese at the Battle of Tsushima, fought when she achieved a top speed of 17 knots, th troops and nurses. When the vessel was on May 27-28 , 1905 during the Russo- she was commissioned into the Baltic fleet struck the troops lined up and sang “Keep Japanese War. However, having survived and became part of the Imperial Guard. At the home fires burning.” The captain that sea battle, the fate of the Oleg, in a cost of three and a half million roubles, (Frances Ames Bateman aged 37) when all June 1919 and by then sailing under the she was the most expensive royal yacht the available boats were lowered, cried out, Bolshevik flag, would be to be sunk in the built to that date with an all-steel hull “Every man for himself and God be with Baltic by Royal Navy Coastal Motor Boat 4 designed and built to withstand being you.” Shortly afterwards he went down with torpedoes and commanded by icebound during the winter. with his ship. Lieutenant, later Commodore, Augustus Agar, VC, DSO, RN. Though not the last of a series of Imperial Gervèse - Yachts, the Polar Star or Polarnaya Zvezda The Russian series was certainly the most elegant. The home port of the Imperial yachts was at the Dr Robert Bruce-Chwatt Kronstadt Island base of the Imperial Navy There were five different series of cards by and Polar Star, belonging personally to the Gervèse, four of them with a Navy motif; Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the French (100), Russian (10), British 1 (10) and mother of the current Tsar, had been a gift Argentine (10), the fifth was for the from her late husband, Tsar Alexander III. Merchant Navy in the Liner series for the The steel keel was laid down in the Messageries Maritimes 2. The Navy series presence of the Imperial couple and Due to threats to the Tsar’s life, the Polar are all of similar themes and humorous officials of the Navy Ministry at the Baltic Star , though always escorted by a subjects, though varied by their uniforms shipyards on May 20 th , 1888, her lines Squadron of other Imperial Navy warships, and national characteristics as Henri being those of a clipper ship, though her was armed fore and aft with a total of four Gervèse observed them. propulsion would be by steam plant, not 47mm Navy Hotchkiss guns firing 68

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rounds per minute with an accurate range Naval ships for him to make notes and “note with care the two differing shades of of 2,000 yards. These were manufactured sketches of the ship’s silhouettes, green (for the sea)”. by Hotchkiss et Cie, a French Arms armaments, decks, cabins, uniforms, badges company. The sailor operating the gun and customs. This contrasts with the far appears to be barefoot, good grip on a wet greater accuracy of the Royal Navy series deck, but hot brass shells casings are of 1915 when he was seconded for a another thing... considerable time to the British Fleet in the After the Russian Revolution of 1917 she Dardanelles and is quite noticeable. The became part of the nascent Soviet Navy. Russian captions are in some cases bizarre Her complex twin steam plant was replaced and some do not make sense even to the by a slower diesel, a funnel was removed Russian reader. The alphabet used here is and she was re-armed with somewhat old Tsarist, with some letters no longer used obsolete 3-inch guns. She saw service after the Russian Revolution of 1917; Lenin during the Finnish Winter War (1939-40) is said to have removed some of the letters, “Your Excellency, five minutes to go!” and during the Second World War as the such as to update it. The phonetic This shows a moustachioed officer dressing HQ of the 3rd Submarine Division in 1942 rendition on the back of the cards of for duty; the usual disorder reigns, but note and, seen here in rather grubby “dazzle” or what should rather be шербур that a bottle of scent with a rubber squeeze paint, survived the War, but as a shadow of (Sherburg ) for the port of Cherbourg, bulb is now seen on the table top next to his her former glory. where they were printed, is amusing, whilst brush and comb. There is however no Bissonnier , the publisher, is given as discarded moustache net from the night (Bissonyeh ). Gervèse’s next publisher at before, a touch Gervèse perhaps missed! The Cherbourg was F. Choubrac, 1-3, rue Tour- shoulder straps on his white jacket appear to Carrée, Cherbourg-Octeville, who took over be those of a junior 2 nd Lieutenant or Bissonnier in 1914, but were themselves Starchij Leitenent, but he was either a late taken over in 1924 by Bequemin et Cie. starter, not very bright or has been demoted as he looks a bit old to be so junior. The printing, of the nine lightly foxed cards The French and English versions are in my collection, appears to be that of remarkably similar as can be seen in the In 1954 with her plant failing, but her hull Pochoir, a refined stencil technique based two vignettes below; the French officer’s still sound after 63 years, she became an on one to create outline prints and, if cabin appears to be the least disordered... anchored accommodation ship before required, others to add each different finally being sent to the scrap yard in 1968. colour to the original black and white. This With some advanced warning of the 1910 can be clearly seen where the series title: official visit, Gervèse, or more probably his “Наши Моряки ”, appears in the form of more financially savvy publisher Bissonnier , an over-stamp on some of the cards with whose offices and print works were based black outline seen through the colour. at Cherbourg, decided to produce a series of Pochoir was popular from the 1860’s up to 10 Russian Imperial Navy cards for sale to the 1930’s, originating and done mainly in the new arrivals. They would use a formula Paris. Similar in idea to the Japanese that Gervèse would use again to such good printing technique of many centuries, it effect in 1915 for the Royal Navy series of was very labour intensive and at its height, cards: “Our Sailors”. The Russian series would there were some thirty studios in France, each employing 600 artisans. Once the be entitled: “Nashi Moriaki” or Наши artist’s original image had been analysed Моряки , a simple translation of the Nos Marins of his original French Navy cards. for form, colour tones and their densities, the numerous stencils would be made by a Ever a showman, Gervèse now signed découpeur , a skilled craftsman in his or her them with a phoneticized Cyrillic version own right. These stencils were cut with a of his name: fine knife or bistouri from thin sheets of aluminium, copper or zinc; later celluloid. Initially using water colour as the print medium, but this gave way to gouache. The Royal Navy officer’s cabin appears rather This is essentially watercolour pigment more homely, with a carpet, a fold-away mixed with gum Arabic and an opacifying wash basin, a truckle bed, two pictures on agent, such as fine chalk. This gives the wall, a frilly lampshade, propped up Even assuming that Gervèse had some prior gouache paints more depth and greater mirror, cut-throat razor, a shaving brush knowledge of Imperial Russian Navy reflective qualities. The difficulty is that the with foam and Turkish slippers. uniforms, perhaps even as a pre-visit liaison colour tones change value when this water officer, the usual fine details on this series based paint dries; darker colour tones dry In the Argentine Navy series, entitled of cards are not as good, probably due to lighter and lighter colour tones dry darker. Nuestra Armada (Our Navy) this card, oddly the speed with which they had to be This was a source of concern to Gervèse; a enough, does not feature at all. produced and the brief contact with the pencilled note on the original painting of The Russian Master-at-Arms, seen below, Russian officers or visits to the Russian the Jolly-boat card asks the printer to : appears to be either a bit of a dandy or has www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 777 Features

forgotten to change his patent leather appears to be taking a picnic ashore with At last a sensible caption though how big a dancing pumps from the night before, him; more dried sausage and black bread; fish is debatable as the bow is up in the air possibly because he is late is replying to the no fresh croissants for him then... because they are all in the stern and the voice-pipe whistle. The red stripped silk The Russian captions on the cards, as hint of the fish in the ripples of water socks do look rather out of place, but mentioned before, are sometimes rather odd seems very small. Probably an old bicycle as perhaps a privilege for those in service to when translated into English. Other versions well; certainly not a shopping trolley. With their Imperial Majesties? The caption is a of the first card showing the sailor who has the line wrapped around the bow thwart it bit bizarre, but perhaps a translator’s sense clearly been paid off and going on leave may be “rove to advantage”, but it more of humour... reads in Russian: “Stockpiling”. Perhaps a likely to part as the breaking strain of the version of Chief Officer’s “handbag”, not line seems likely to be far exceeded. uncommon for those in the know... In another version of the Master-at-Arms at the voice-pipe, he is saying: “Present!” the same as the caption of the four sailors lined up for inspection before shore leave. Bit odd or have the French printers muddled them up? It seems there are the two versions of the cards but with different captions... Черт его знает, ч то происходит ! (The devil only knows what’s going on!) This card showing the over-laden Jolly boat, six oars on three thwarts, is titled: “With the purveyors and the servers” , but loosely translated these are the buyers of provisions for a private party with money that they have collected amongst themselves. At least the printers seem to have got the two shades of green for the sea correct. Suitably overloaded, the flag at the stern is the saltire of St. Andrew, but the colours being reversed has nothing to “Honoured to report for duty!” do with Scotland. It is the ensign of the “To the gig, by the Port gangway!” Imperial Russian Navy, which is different The hung-over sailor salutes and says: from their Naval Jack, seen below. His anxious look and red nose may also be “Honoured to report for duty (back from a forensic indicators that the Master-at-Arms night on the town)” as a subscript. At least Jacks are additional national flags flown by was at the kvass and the wodka the night this one makes sense. Whether the cat warships at the stem jack staff when the before, as well as the slightly rumpled look belongs aboard or ashore is debatable, but ship is at anchor, moored alongside in port of his white jacket. It is difficult to decide if this will probably be rapidly resolved when or dressed for special occasions. The jack is it is water on the deck or a shadow, but on the cat is put down. The empty bottle, flown at the bow, the ensign at the stern balance it is shadow. brown shoes, dodgy hankie, lack of a cap when anchored or moored. Once under way, and sockless brown shoes tell the whole the ensign is flown from the main mast. unfortunate story that some of us may well remember from our own times at sea! “Danger below!” is the caption of the card above, but I’m not quite sure what they are up to or what the structure is that they are standing on or what the walkway is supported by. So ten out of ten Gervèse both for confusing us and upsetting the health and safety chaps.

“Ashore till late.” This caption is fairly self-explanatory, as he “Aye, aye, Sir!” may have “borrowed” the bicycle to make it This card of an inspection before shore leave back to his ship on time. The detail includes is a new subject; a version perhaps of: “Up a spoon brake on the front tyre, with a to town? Never in brown!” The offending rubber friction block acting directly onto boots may be the thick wool felt boots the tyre tread. Rather disappointingly he called Valenki - вал́ енки , traditional winter has not seen fit to give his shipmate a lift footwear for the Russian military. They are on the handlebars. The typical Russian log not waterproof and were usual worn with a house construction and the belted blue pair of galoshes. The more senior sailor “The (big) fish is caught!” tunic of the peasant in the background are

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the usual Gervèse touches, as is the birch great smogs which accompanied the last around the sidelines, we have people tree on the left. embers of domestic coal firing in major desperate to make a killing on carbon cities. They remembered time in port when trading. There are regional regulators making

the soot laden air was so thick you could clear their preference for cold ironing when almost cut it with a knife and having to ships are alongside and demanding that bung up the Thermotank ducts with socks to entire ports be wired up to plug in the keep the filth outside the accommodation. visiting vessels, which is no easy or cheap If they sailed out of London, they might matter in a port like Rotterdam or Antwerp. even remember days of delay, when the While the Californians, bless them, seem crane drivers couldn’t see the holds and the able to bang a ship manager to rights, there dockers couldn’t find the dock gates. There are still endless arguments elsewhere about were coloured lines chalked on the road how air quality is to be tested. It ought to from the gates to the ships and the theory be done alongside, it is said, until somebody was that you waited until a group had been pointed out that you cannot run a main gathered, then you set off behind a engine at full speed when securely fastened policeman, following the chalk line to the to the quay, or you risk the ship leaving the bottom of the gangway. There was a famous berth rather precipitously. Drones fitted incident when half a dozen Chinamen from with sniffer devices might become the a Ben Line ship, obediently holding the coat sampling mechanism of choice. The of the chap in front, plunged one after paperwork, one supposes, will be the another into the Albert Dock, after the cheapest option and thus regarded as the This card is captioned: “Rocky ship”, whilst policeman had become disoriented. ultimate lead to any non-compliance. It is in the English version of the same scene it Now that was poor air quality, which was what the Californians are using. is: “A sou’west gale”. There is, oddly enough, cured by the expedient of banning coal fires But the demand for clean air near to ports no French version. This last card is, and anyone who lived through such a smog and ships is not going to go away. This incidentally, the only one that I do not would treat it as something of yardstick in summer the great port of Hong Kong will have of the original series, hence the future years. Diesel Death Zones? What was require ships to switch to low sulphur fuel different background colour. I would, of the chap thinking about? when in port limits, moving the ECAs firmly course, be most grateful for an original eastwards. This is probably understandable, copy, though But the DDZ somehow fitted in with the general sentiment and an environmental bearing in mind the filthy haze that seems I am also still looking out for a set of the awakening that was giving us the terrors of to hang over the Fragrant Harbour most of Argentine Navy series! global warming, climate change and the the time, although it is arguable how much belief that carbon dioxide was not our is generated from ships when compared harmless exhalations and the fizz in our with that which is wafted down from the The air you breathe soda siphons, but a phenomenon we Pearl River industries. Chinese and Japanese Michael Grey ignored at our peril. ports will probably follow in due course. Who remembers the absolute incredulity Since then, we have come a very way in a And nobody should forget that there are when, just a few years ago, a Californian relatively short time. This was brought home votes in clean air, in addition to any health academic coined the usefully alliterative just recently when a ship manager, whose benefits and it is notable that in more and phrase to describe the air quality around vessel was judged to have contravened more places the local population is ports and other places where ships clean air regulations not once, but becoming more vociferous about emissions gathered? He called it the Diesel Death Zone seventeen times, was fined $283,500 by a from ships’ exhausts. It is also a fact that and according to his researches, tens, if not Californian court. This would clearly have waterfronts in many parts of the world are hundreds of thousands of people who lived bought a lot of low-sulphur fuel, if they no longer inhabited by the mean around ports were gasping their way to a had only bothered to switch over to its use habitations of the urban and voiceless poor premature end in the choking sulphurous when approaching this very particular coast. (who may once have worked in the ships fumes from ship’s machinery. and docks) but well-off residents who pay a We have emission control areas springing considerable amount for their harbour view, To maritime industry people around the up all over the world, something that and would rather that the ships (clean world, it all seemed to be rather over- probably won’t stop with European waters exhausts or not) just went elsewhere. egging the problem. Might the attenuated and those around North America. We have lifespan of Californians who lived around earnest engineers and technical managers Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne are the the docks not be affected rather more by frying their brains as they try and work out latest to plug into this growing hatred of their lifestyle of cigarettes and hamburgers whether they should invest in abatement ports, following the example of the US west as big as your head? Could there not be a technology (scrubbers to you and me), coast seeking to interest their governments connection to the fact that these people which may, or may not work, buy very low in their mission. Indeed one Australian MP required a 4 litre engine in their car which sulphur fuel or gasoil at twice the price of was ejected from the Chamber of the would convey them a quarter of a mile to HFO, or go the whole hog and opt for LNG, Federal Parliament after waving around a their nearest drugstore or fast food outlet? which may, or may not, be available when jar of HFO, with which he coated his hands you need it most. to make a pungent point. It is clean air that It is perhaps a regrettable fact that this everyone is after. American alert occasioned a good deal of We have the longest formula in the industry scepticism. There were, of course, maritime world devised to calculate the Sail training could be the way forward for the still people around who remembered the energy efficiency of a ship and hovering Honourable Company and its energetic mentors. www.hcmm.org.uk The Journal • Issue 2/2015 • Page 779 Features

Shipping Acts with their introduction of The Honourable Book Review certification started to standardise practices The 12 th edition of The they were still susceptible to the prejudices Company of Master Admiralty Manual of of the examiners and this was reflected in the content of the seamanship textbooks Mariners Seamanship Practice within the Royal Navy too, had Editorial Royal Navy varied, although probably not to the same Published by The Nautical Institute extent. So the Royal Navy too started The views expressed in articles or in ISBN9781906915490 producing formal seamanship text books at correspondence appearing in the Journal about this same time albeit they were are those of the writer and are not initially limited to the instruction of boys in necessarily endorsed by the Honourable the training ships. Company of Master Mariners. Then, in 1908, the Admiralty produced its Items appearing in the Journal may first authoritative text book written by not be reproduced without the Admiral Knight and Henderson, The Manual consent of the Editor. of Seamanship – no Admiralty prefix yet - with Volume 2 coming out a year later. The Editor will be pleased to receive This provided two major benefits: correspondence from Members intended It provided the documented standard for reproduction in the Journal. practice of a major fleet – hundreds of Committees ships in those days. Through empirical learning that standard practice became Education and Training Committee The byword of a seaman used to be to hand, furl and reef. We don’t have to do best practice. Chairman: Lieutenant Commander It was produced by an authority with the Peter Aylott RN that today (and probably cannot anyway) nor do we have to know how to Fleet the means to maintain its content to reflect Finance Committee sheers , Heave down or Fish a spar, for both the best practice and the latest Chairman: Mr Iain Stitt seamanship, essentially a practical art, changes in technology and their changes with technology. If the seaman of application. Other seamanship publications Membership Committee yesteryear had to know how to maintain were, of course, commercially produced and Chairman: had to produce a profit. Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh GCB rigging, handle boats under sail and oar, That first Manual of Seamanship has gone Vice Chairman: tack, wear, reach, and box the compass in through many iterations. And now the 12 th Captain Ian Smith, FNI FRIN quarter points, the seaman of today has to be able to manage an inflatable sea boat, edition of the Admiralty Manual of Technical Committee know about sea survival, liferafts, rescue Seamanship – it’s not clear if the earlier, non- Chairman: Captain Ian Giddings helicopters and use a gyro. The technology Admiralty prefix versions, are included in the has changed. litany – has been launched by the Nautical All correspondence, books, documents Institute onboard HMS Warrior in Portsmouth. or enquiries relevant to the work of The first to recognise this importance of the Technical Committee should be technology were Hutchinson and Steel Through those editions, pulling cutters may addressed to the Secretary, Mrs Alison who, in the eighteenth century, produced have given way to rigid inflatables, sails to Harris c/o HQS Wellington . the first seamanship text books Treatise on sea survival, the slinging and lashing of Practical Seamanship and Rigging and hammocks has been replaced by Treasures Committee Seamanship respectively. replenishment at sea. If you told a modern Chairman: Captain Graham Pepper, FNI There then followed a series of seamanship sailor to marry the falls he – or she – Joint Informal Meetings books leading up to and around the British would think it some kind of perversion. If Honorary Secretary: Captain Geoff Merchant Shipping Acts of the mid-19 th you’d tried to explain radio Cowap Century to be used by seaman, apprentices communications to a sailor of yesteryear and officers going for their initially he’d have looked at you in bewilderment. Wardroom Mess Committee voluntary, but soon compulsory, certificates But some things remain the same. Some Chairman: Mr John Johnson-Allen of competency. things are enduring. We all still need to The Journal Levet’s poetically titled Young Officers’ know the language of ships and the sea; we Sheet Anchor ; Dana’s prosaic Seaman’s need to know how to work deck gear, how Editor Friend ; Tinmouth, Inquiry related to various to handle cables and to anchor, to handle Commodore David Squire, CBE points on seamanship – not the most ropes, wires and hawsers. We all need to ‘Trees’, 45 Esp Lane, Barnoldswick, alluring of book titles; Brady’s, Kedge know the principles of good seamanship. Lancashire BB18 5QQ Anchor , and then Luce and Nores and And that is what the Admiralty Manual of Tel: 01282 814998 Alston’s simply titled Seamanship followed Seamanship gives us. By use, by time, by towards the end of the century with Todd revision, by clarity of expression, by All correspondence, articles and and Whell’s Practical Seamanship for the growing sophistication of illustration it’s reports for the Journal should be sent Merchant Service . explicit authority has made it the de facto to the Editor’s home address, or by Heretofore, seamanship had been bible of the sea; a must for those who go email to [email protected] something of a hit and miss art with down to the sea in ships. Copy for Issue 3/2015 of The Journal practice varying between ships and A copy is available in the HQS Wellington should be sent to the Editor by companies and the practice handed down Library along with many other old Friday, 21 August , 2015 by word of mouth from practitioner to seamanship text books. novice. And although the Merchant David Parry

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