THE The magazine of thePILOT United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association

WINTER 2014 No. 317

In this issue: Commonwealth Flotilla

Piloting the UK’s new Aircraft Carrier Annual Ports Conference 2014

126th UKMPA Conference William Hedley Kett 1913-2014: A Hero’s Tale Dedication of memorials to the Seafarers Wi-Fi System installed loss of two Liverpool Pilot Boats at the Port of Ipswich Canal by M Robarts Robarts M by Canal Ship Image: Manchester Manchester Image: Whatever your outlook... whatever the conditions... Chairman’s Report Don Cockrill whatever your position... It was a great general advice documents, most PMSC is being addressed as a pleasure to see of which were regurgitated from matter of priority. It is also apparent a packed room other sources, with no effort made that ALL stakeholders in a port for the 126th to give advice of direct relevance community (from the regulator conference to pilots and other front line border outwards) should work together in Chester personnel. I have been working to establish a mutually agreed last month. closely with the DfT for some weeks mediation/arbitration process so As reported now and in conjunction with PHE that where there is discord between elsewhere in this two presentations were organised them (which is inevitable from time edition, the 52 pilots and numerous – one at the conference in Chester to time) a structured procedure can guests as well as exhibitors and and the other a few days later in be followed to try to reach a mutually speakers enjoyed and indeed were Southampton, this latter widely satisfactory solution rather than enlightened by the eclectic mix of promulgated within the ports industry. simply resorting to legal action. erudite and informative presentations. You should by now have seen the More about this will be forthcoming Night or Poor Light Navigation Confined Berthing Solutions Resolutions passed of significance slides of the Chester presentation in the new year. to members are the establishment and hopefully the accompanying I am now entering my fifth year as of a second vice-chairman to assist video which is awaited as I write. your chairman and continue to enjoy in representation duties and also the I have also been urging the DfT to the role and I hope am serving you re-affirmation of the 2006 mandate publish an M-Notice style document to your benefit. It is my intention to employ a Secretary General in offering simple practical advice. to stand-down at conference next the future. In essence, there are a lot of media year. Professional representation is Although he was unable to address hyped myths about Ebola. Caution a team effort and the current teams conference in person owing to late is required if you are tasked to pilot within both the Section and Training notice parliamentary obligations, a targeted vessel from W Africa, & Technical committees are strong, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP (as but simple personal hygiene with hard working and effective. However, shipping minister) sent a short frequent hand washing (soap is better new blood is always needed both video message instead. Amongst than anti-bacterial hand cleansers) at a local (District) and national level. the (to be) expected political asides and a common sense approach are It is up to you how deeply you are Channel Navigation Poor Visibility Navigation the address contained a couple of all that are needed. In a nutshell, able to be involved in one or the significant statements concerning any infected individual apparently other, but for certain, involvement the importance and roles of would be unable to function in a is essential for the future of Marine Pilots and the UKMPA. professional sense so is unlikely to our Association. Both the speech and most of the be encountered by a pilot in the UK. By the time you read this the presentations are available at http:// Recent events at a specific UK Winter Solstice will be upon us bit.ly/1tCUaAR. The 2015 conference port, concerning the re-organisation and the nights will shorten as we will be 4 & 5 November on board of pilotage, with the current head towards Spring; but of course HQS Wellington, London. regime being replaced (but most we still have the winter storms to The recent Ebola crisis in West Africa concernedly with a associated very contend with. has justifiably caused much concern poor, non A960 compliant training May you have a peaceful and amongst the maritime community. regime), have shown how ineffective Happy Christmas and enjoy the Shipping was served very well and the current Pilotage Legislation celebrations to welcome in what promptly by advice to masters and actually is at ensuring the proper AIS Acquisition Riser Monitoring I hope will for you all be a safe, shipping companies. The UK ports regulation of pilotage in the UK. healthy and prosperous 2015. community received a number of The omission of A960 from the

Navicom Dynamics is proud to present We have the the ChannelPilot MK2. Now with AMSA/USCG Compatible MF solution for you beacon DGPS option. www.navicomdynamics.com

P +64 9 915 5330 Navicom Dynamics F +64 9 415 8361 Precision Portable Navigation E [email protected] Piloting the UK’s new Aircraft Carrier Keith McLean

HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first of with a beam at the waterline of the Forth over the past 30 years UK’s two new aircraft carriers, was 39.6m and flight deck beam of 76m. and as pilots we were well aware

named by Her Majesty the Queen of the challenges they presented, The contract to build the two carriers at Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard but the new Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth was signed in 2008, and in Scotland on 4 July 2014, and class represents a considerable the Forth Pilots became involved manoeuvred out of the building upward step. The vessels are being in the planning in 2009. In order to dock to her fitting out berth on 17 assembled in Rosyth from modules ensure continuity in the pilotage July. She is the largest warship ever fabricated at shipyards throughout aspects of operations four pilots, to be constructed in the UK. the UK. Final assembly is in a from our district of 27 pilots, were dock completed during World There will be further high profile, assigned to the aircraft carrier War One that required extensive high stress movements in the years project. All stakeholders in the improvements in preparation for to come, including the sea trials movement and construction of the carrier programme. A large of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2016, the Queen Elizabeth class carriers civil engineering project was HMS Prince of Wales following have worked closely together on necessary to extend the dock approximately two years later, in this highly unusual project – shipyard, and widen the direct entrance to terms of construction and delivery. transportation, tug masters and the enclosed basin. The move from the building dock pilots. The ship simulator at South to the fitting out berth completed Tyneside College was heavily After construction in the building After several simulation sessions and Four of the tugs, with a combined pilot was therefore placed forward the first chapter of Forth Pilots’ utilised to simulate and fine-tune dock there was only a clearance of many meetings involving the shipyard bollard pull of 310 tonnes, were on the anchor observation platform. involvement in the £6 billion aircraft the movement of the completed 135mm between the bilge keel and and tug operators it was clear that from the nearby BP crude oil This was so that accurate visual carrier project. aircraft carriers and the arrival of the dock wall. Even a small angle on leaving the dock presented many terminal at Hound Point. Total information on the position of the the large block sections at Rosyth. departure from the dock would have marine challenges. A controlled exit bollard pull available for the move bulbous bow was always available The Queen Elizabeth class carriers resulted in damage to the bilge keel. was proving difficult. Exiting the dock was in excess of 400 tonnes. to the lead pilot. will be 65,000 tonnes displacement All aircraft carrier movements An additional problem was that the in a conventional manner represented on delivery, which places them in present challenges to pilots: there To ensure there would be no problem A portable pilot unit (PPU) was building dock does not have shore an unacceptably high risk of damage. terms of size somewhere between is no visibility of the ship’s side and with making tugs fast there were pre- essential to give accurate speed, winches to control the position of A solution had to be found. the French carrier Charles de Gaulle a lack of a centre conning position. rigged messengers secured to the rate of turn and lateral movement the vessel, and stern movement, (42,000 tonnes) and the US Nimitz The Invincible class of aircraft carriers The solutions arrived at were ship’s side, which were numbered to information. The system chosen on exit. class (100,000 tonnes). LOA = 285m, have been fairly regular visitors to imaginative and successful. To ensure there would be no confusion. was the Marimatech system control the heading when exiting The fairleads were also numbered. with real time kinematic (RTK) the dock a large pontoon was capability, giving centimetre- The main pilot conning position was moored at the dock exit, in line with accurate positioning. under the forward end of the forward the dock wall and therefore effectively aircraft lift. A scaffold platform had to Due to the complex nature of the extending the length of the dock. be built to give the pilot a view along operation, the number of tugs The vessel could slide out of the the ship’s side, but this gave only a utilised, and the high level of dock and rest on the well-fendered limited view of the bow area. Another communication required, the four pontoon, minimizing the possibility of bilge keel damage. With the absence of shore winches, and in order to control the speed on exit, a 30 tonne bollard pull tug was lifted out of the water by the largest crane in Britain (see Pilot, June 2011) and placed in the dock ahead of Queen Elizabeth. Strict wind criteria were agreed for the move, for simulations had shown that in winds exceeding 10/12 knots the carrier could not be held in line with the building dock. A total of nine tugs were utilised for the move from the building dock. 4 5

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 The 285m carrier, with tugs at bow Mike Morris as Vice Chairman and the differences and rationale work carried out, especially at the and stern, had to be turned dead to accompany John Pearn. The between policies. He stressed the recent IMO conference, regarding ship in a 440m square, taking into Association had decided that the importance of new members at the pilot ladders. He told a relieved account an exclusion zone around increased work load and a pressing start of a contract assessing sick audience that the proposal to make the nuclear submarines in one corner need for coverage of events and cover provided by their employers, pilots climb a much higher length of of the enclosed basin. The PPU meetings warranted another Vice pointing out the advantage of ladder had been defeated. again proved invaluable, allowing the Chairman; Mike and John are Vice new joiners taking out the weekly turn to be monitored throughout and Presidents of EMPA and IMPA. payment cover to supplement this. made in a controlled manner. Their appointment shows the Mike Morris, Vice Chairman of the strength of the Association. The This high profile move was a Association and a Vice President of meeting approved rule changes complete success, and an example EMPA, gave a report on the proposed already notified to members. of what careful planning and pilots EU Ports Regulation. There has been working together as a team with The Section Committee a change of the EU Commission the shipyard and tug masters received reports from delegates Presidency as well as in key roles in can achieve. on financial matters, membership, the EU Commission. The former Vice the Association website update President of the EU Commission in pilots involved in the operation were communications, utilising one vhf A time lapse video of the operation and the Association journal. The charge of Transport, Sim Kallas of paired up, one pilot in each pair channel for pilot/tug commands can be viewed at : http://www. Chairman of the Technical and Estonia, has now left. He was one operating a PPU. Overall control and a separate vhf channel for all youtube.com/watch?v=P0ZjQz9vEK Training Committee Nick Lee’s of the driving forces behind the EU remained with the lead pilot, who of the other communications w&feature=share was under the forward aircraft lift, associated with the operation. presentation explained the work Ports Regulation, but is now replaced but if visibility became an issue Pilots assigned to the project were of his team. There are still two by Violeta Blac from Slovenia, who The critical part of the operation a contingency was in place to Jerry Purvis, Paul Wibberley, Fred vacancies for the T&TC for which is tasked with advancing the work was over once Queen Elizabeth Whitaker and Andy Blance. Article members are urged to apply. on TEN-T, which will include the EU hand over the lead to the pilot at During the afternoon Timothy cleared the building dock. However, by Keith McLean Ports Regulation. Knut Fleckenstien the anchor observing platform. Londonderry Pilots Billy Kelly and Crowch ASSM and Matt Easton the swing in the basin was tight. All images courtesy of BAE. has been reappointed Rapporteur Additionally, there were dual Michael Heagerty thanked us for of Liverpool Pilots, who are course and Phillip Bradbourne from the UK our support. leaders for the Liverpool Marine is one of the Shadow Rapporteurs. Resource Management course, Bobby Morton The Rapporteur has recommended hosted a module on ‘Decision of Unite, that Pilotage be included in Article II Making’ and the factors that th National Officer Mike Robarts of Chapter 2, which would mean that influence it. This was a most 126 UKMPA Conference for Docks, passenger services, cargo handling worthwhile exercise and, as with Waterways, and pilotage would be exempt other technical presentations, Members and guests arrived at On board we were treated to Ferries and from market access; however, the counted towards a pilot’s continual the Queen Hotel in Chester on the refreshments and some Manchester Railways, told concern is that the Commission professional development. We then afternoon of the 25 November 2014 Ship Canal Pilots kindly gave us about how do not like this and instead have heard Paul Morter of BMT Argoss for a cruise hosted by Carmet Tugs commentary about where we were he started agreed that Member States Pilotage who spoke of developments in on the Manchester Ship Canal. and the various berths we passed with Unite and about the action should be included in Article 11a training simulation. Meeting at Eastom lock on the and local trades. Whilst on board it the Union is taking in lobbying where, by way of derogation, the Wirral we boarded two tugs the allowed our sponsors Transas and against the EU Ports Services member state may recognise the MSC Victory and MSC Viceroy Navicom, PPU suppliers, to give Regulation and proposed changes specific nature of Pilotage and and departed for Runcorn docks. demonstrations. After returning to to Accident investigations for serious may notify the Commission of their maritime incidents. Bobby will meet exemption. So there is still a lot to Executives of the Association do to convince the EU Parliamentary to address some of the questions Transport Committee to adopt Knut raised by members. Fleckenstien’s original proposal. Drew Smith EMPA keeps up the pressure to of Circle effect this. Insurance, who Guest delegates are the brokers Nick Cutmore, the Eastham lock we departed and for members’ IMPA General returned to the hotel for an evening insurance, Secretary, and meal and a get-together, allowing reported on Simon Pelletier, colleagues to catch up. the current President negotiations The next morning was devoted of IMPA, with underwriters and appraisals to Association business. We had addressed The final session was a briefing of current claims. He also spoke reports from Don Cockrill, our fellow members by Dr Nick Gent, a consultant in directly about making a claim Chairman, and the election of and outlined the Health Protection at Public Health 6 7

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 England, on the Ebola epidemic. resource management principles traditional ‘lead and line’, highlighting He explained the symptoms of Ebola, not being followed, unsatisfactory how we now use much higher Matt Hill how it can be transmitted, how the passage plans, inadequate Master/ information inputs from multi-scan Commonwealth Flotilla virus survives, the risks it poses and Pilot exchanges and A.960 not being computer software. The UKHO is the basic hygiene people can use to implemented in pilot training. now developing online charting mile passage to Glasgow. We prevent its being transmitted. solutions and Port Approaches were instructed to maintain a speed Our Chairman then showed us Guides, very similar to Admiralty of between 4-5 knots so that all Afterwards we the Minister’s video message. Charts but which will be vessels, regardless of type, could sat down to a The Minster apologised for not port specific. keep close together to prevent the Gala Dinner, being able to attend, which was flotilla from spreading out during at which due to parliamentary business UKMPA Member Peter Adams is an the passage. Honorary Life that required his presence. Admiralty Pilot and T&TC member Memberships and his informative presentation The river was lined with people at Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector at were awarded was about the very specialist every possible viewing point – even the MAIB, discussed the purpose to Harry H. subject of ‘Dead Ship Towing’, a some points that I thought weren’t behind the MAIB and how it was Higgnet and process common for Admiralty pilots accessible were suddenly lined with founded and its principle objective Dave Devey. moving vessels and equipment people cheering and waving as we to be a separate investigator from around naval bases. He discussed headed up river. The air was filled The second day of conference saw the regulator the MCA. The purpose the movement of large tankers with the sound of various ships’ Mike Harrison, Chairman of PIANC of any MAIB investigation is to and the configuration of tugs and whistles and horns saluting the WG 145, give a presentation on determine cause to improve the spoke specifically about the recent crowds along the shore. berthing speeds for large ships, with safety of life at sea and the avoidance accident surrounding the Chiefton particular regard to fendering and of accidents. Inspectors are drawn About nine miles into the journey and piloting a tow in tideway using how the study had been structured from a sea going background and upriver we passed the western a bow tug. and what its aims were. This research spend three weeks initial training at entrance to the Forth and Clyde On Friday 25 July I stood in scorching their designated areas awaiting is welcome because of the number Cranfield University Canal at Bowling, where more boats Greenock sunshine and watched the flotilla’s start. We slowly picked of incidents when berthing large ships followed by a two- joined at the rear of the flotilla. These as over 250 leisure craft began ourselves a passage through the and the associated damage caused. year accreditation boats had been unable to make the mustering at James Watt Dock flotilla craft until we were in position The WG145 study covers principle programme. The muster point at James Watt dock the marina in Greenock preparing to abeam of Custom House Quay. vessel types over 30,000DWT and MAIB receives previous day due to an unforeseen take part in the Commonwealth Once all vessels were in position and carrying cargoes. The research around 1800 problem with the lock gates, but Games flotilla before proceeding up the Clyde Marine passenger vessels covered different ranges of tide, reports a year thankfully all was fixed in time for the River Clyde to Princes Dock in Clyde Clipper and Cruiser were in dock and locks and different and follows up on them to join us as we passed Glasgow. This was to be the largest position astern of us the signal was locations across the world, to average a third them by. organised flotilla ever on the Clyde. given to commence the 17 nautical ensure a range of data collection of these, some continued over... points so as to offer designers requiring a field The following morning, I boarded of ships guidelines in the use of investigation. at Gourock Pier the newest ferry in appropriate vessel design speeds. The MAIB has the Caledonian Macbrayne fleet, the target times for hybrid ro-ro vessel Lochinvar, which Mark Williams of IG P&I Club investigations; its had been temporarily relieved of shared with delegates the P&I Clubs investigations are publicised and are Photo credit: Peter Adams, Admiralty Pilot her duties crossing Loch Fyne from concerns on pilot related incidents. free. The MAIB operates a website Portavadie to Tarbert. The International Group of P&I Clubs Paul Williams of Trinity House and online directory. He explained has over 50 subcommittees working discussed the ACCSEAS project, My brief from Flotilla control was for about how voyage data decoders on a range of claims areas from which looks at maximising Lochinvar to proceed to Greenock play a key role in investigations and injury to salvage, one of them being information for enavigation, and to take up a position and hold how new technology in MADAS pilotage. A major study into pilotage something much needed as the station mid channel abeam of and integration of multiple VDR claims began in 2005, the research North Sea becomes more congested Custom House Quay, from where evidence help replicate an incident. focusing on claims of $100,000 because of increased shipping, the event was to begin, Lochinvar He then discussed recent pilot and above. These claims are then offshore developments and would then lead the Commonwealth related incidents and spoke of how categorised as collision, groundings e-Loran. The project aims to identify Flotilla boats to Glasgow. I briefed some of the highest number of cases and FFO and then according to information essential to mariners the Lochinvar’s captains of the concerned Master/Pilot exchange each country where the accident that will assist them in navigation day’s plan and we slipped from and Bridge team/Pilot integration. happened. Even though pilot related planning and monitoring. Gourock with 120 invited guests and accidents are low compared to Ken Dearman, insight manager dignitaries on board to meet the rest All presentations are available to other claims handled by a P&I club at the UK Hydrographic Office, of the flotilla boats at Greenock. view or download at http://www. they are marked by the high risk in introduced developments in ukmpa2014.co.uk/programme.html As we arrived at Greenock the value involved. Mark concluded that hydrographic research. He began his 250+ flotilla boats of varying types the study had found that the errors presentation with how surveys were Don Cockrill closed the conference and sizes were all mustering in could be identified as lack of bridge carried out from 1795 by using the and thanked all for participating. 8 9

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 On the pontoon at Clydebank, 13 miles into the journey, the old Clyde Mike Robarts puffer Vic 32 and the small replica Westminster reception puffer Wee Spark were waiting for us, and after more whistle and horn The Association is not a stranger The Shipping Minister, blowing they joined on astern to to events at Westminster, and on John Hayes MP, proceed up to the city. 18 November 2014 we received then addressed the an invitation to attend the annual delegates. The event Another mile further upriver the UK Major Ports Groups reception. gave our Association paddle steamer Waverley, a familiar Representing the Association were representatives a useful sight to most on the Clyde, was Don Cockrill, Chairman, Susan opportunity to meet berthed at BAE Scotstoun waiting Harrison, Crouch Harbour Master/ MPs and representatives for us to pass. As usual there was Pilot, and Mike Robarts from from the Department more whistle blowing, cheering and Harwich Haven. Simon Baird, for Transport, Chamber shouting as the flotilla passed by the Chairman of UKMPG, addressed of Shipping and Waverley and her passengers. the Shipping Minister and Members Trinity House. We eventually arrived at Princes of Parliament. Dock in Glasgow at 1330, where we berthed the Lochinvar beside the Glasgow Science Centre tower proceeding back downriver over the certainly very different to the usual and disembarked our passengers. coming days. pilotage trips upriver to Glasgow. Clyde Clipper and Cruiser, who Photographs don’t really do justice Dedication of memorials to the loss of two It was a very impressive sight to had followed us all the way upriver, to this day: it was one of those see the river lined with people. berthed in front of us. Over the next events that you really had to be I had really not expected the public Liverpool Pilot Boats Stuart Wood two hours all the flotilla boats slowly there to fully appreciate! to embrace the flotilla in this way and arrived and berthed in Princes Dock, SS Alfred H Read, No1 Pilot Boat, road to Fort Perch Rock, close to turn out in such numbers – it was Matt Hill is a Clyde Pilot. All images where they would remain before built in 1913, hit a mine while the roundabout in the vicinity of the courtesy of River Clyde Photography. cruising at the Bar Pilot Station on 28 Floral Pavilion theatre. December 1917. It sank very quickly The dedication of the memorials took with the loss of 39 lives, including place at midday on 19 May 2014. 19 pilots and eight apprentice pilots. Honorary Pilot the Reverend Canon Mike Robarts Only two of the crew were saved. Annual Ports Conference 2014 Bob Evans MBE led proceedings. SS Charles Livingston (correct The Lord Mayor of Wirral, David With EU Ports Regulation to be Directorate General for Mobility The Annual ports conference spelling) No1 Pilot Boat, built in Mitchell, and the Lady Mayoress discussed at the annual ports and Transport attended, as did Don tackled other thorny issues. 1921, stranded on Ainsdale beach attended. I gave a short address. conference the Association put Cockrill, our Chairman, John Pearn Chief among these were: in extremely severe weather conditions Hannah Mackenzie, who plays in

together a delegate team to ensure and Mike Morris the Vice Chairmen, on 26 November 1939. 23 lives the RLP Youth Orchestra and who is • judicial review, for which the Association’s views were heard and Mike Robarts from the Section were lost, including eight pilots the daughter of serving pilot Duncan law firm Eversheds gave a about proposed regulation. Remi Committee. Proposed EU Ports and eight apprentices. Ten lives Mackenzie, performed appropriate presentation; Mayet, from DG Move, the EU Regulation generated a heated debate. were saved, including four pilots music, including The Last Post. • port development and and two apprentices. Descendants of some of those infrastructure, responses In 2013 local resident Carl Lecky lost and saved in the 1939 disaster coming from the Department MBE evolved a plan to commemorate also attended. These included for Transport; these disasters in a similar fashion Gerry Patterson and his sister Gill • licensing and planning to the memorials he had already Harrison, son and daughter of by John Tye of the Marine successfully established along the recently deceased survivor Ron Management Organisation; promenade from New Brighton Patterson; John Macleod, who lost southwards. He asked for the his grandfather a licensed pilot and • and the latest view of global assistance of the Pilot Service to Master of the Charles Livingston; seaborne trade explained by ensure complete accuracy of the retired pilot David Cockram and Trevor Crowe of Clarksons’ information on the plaques. I was serving pilot Tom Tebay, who each shipping services. co-opted by the Service to help. lost their grandfathers. David and The event gave the Association Tom solemnly removed Pilot Service Wirral Borough Council gave networking opportunities to discuss flags from the memorials during permission for two large pieces of proposed EU Ports Regulation with the ceremony. sandstone to carry the plaques. other ports groups and especially These slabs are situated one each Stuart Wood, with the Department for Transport. side of the beginning of the approach Liverpool Pilot 1968 - 2009 10 11

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014

third U-boat, U-67, which Kett, as His first command was P-555, common lands. He was brought up Liverpool Pilot, retired officer of the watch, tried to ram, which acted as a “clockwork mouse” and educated in Blackheath. Roger Hilton Ellison, calling out: “Hard a-starboard, full ahead (dummy target) off Tobermory for Kett was demobilised in 1946, when together, captain on the bridge”. surface ships practising their anti- he received his licence as a London Roger Hilton Ellison lives on the Isle In March years working within the Liverpool submarine tactics. of Man. This year a special ceremony 1945 Pilot Service. Karl Dönitz, the German U-boat and North Sea pilot. He continued was held for him at the Governor’s Roger admiral, realised that Clyde’s arrival in to be an active member of the His family wrote to Pilot Magazine residence in Douglas to present him joined Tarrafal Bay at the same time as three RNR, commanding the submarine about how proud they are of Roger with two World War II medals, the the pilot German submarines was unlikely to Springer during his annual because of what he has achieved in Arctic Star and the Ushakov Medal. service in be a coincidence, but was reassured fortnight’s training in 1950. the service of our country. They are Liverpool that German codes could not be In 1966 he was appointed ADC to In 1943 Roger Hilton Ellison joined pleased that he has been recognised, as an cracked; only long after the war did the Queen. In 1971 he was sworn RMS Scythia as a Junior Ordinary deservedly, along with many fellow apprentice. he learn about the British success in as one of the Younger Brethren Seaman on the day of his eighteenth seaman who are still able to wear He served in reading his signals. Many years of Trinity House. In retirement he birthday. In November 1944 he set these special medals without reserve. a six-and- later, too, in Hamburg, Kett met an took up painting landscapes sail with the Arctic Convoy taking a-half Elbe pilot who had been a German and seascapes . thousands of Russians back to submariner in Tarrafal Bay. As they years’ apprenticeship, gaining his Then, in January 1943, he was given Hedley Kett married, in 1942, Russia for landing into Murmansk, swapped stories, Kett learned that initial pilots licence in 1951 and his command of the U-class submarine Doris May Mitchell. She died in a very dangerous and treacherous U-111 had been so badly damaged First Class licence in 1955. After this P-34. When Winston Churchill 2006, and he is survived by their journey. He was awarded with four that it could not dive and had been he worked as a Company Pilot for decreed that submarines should two daughters. medals for his services, the 39-45 sunk by the armed trawler Lady ESSO Petroleum for 12 years and have names, Kett chose Ultimatum. Star, the Atlantic Star, the Italy Star Shirley a few days later; while U-67 Capt Hedley Kett, born July 28 then HAPAG LLOYD and French He remained in the boat for two years and the Victory Medal. Now 70 years had been so badly damaged that it 1913, died June 28 2014 Line for a further ten years until during which Ultimatum carried out on he has received the Arctic Star had had to abort its patrol and return retiring in 1988, having served 33 a work-up patrol north of Iceland and This article is reproduced with the kind medal and Ushakov medal. to France. 12 patrols in the Mediterranean. permission of The Telegraph where it Next, Clyde was diverted for the so- first appeared. The photos are supplied On October 30 1943 Kett attacked called “Magic Carpet” run, ferrying by the family of Hedley Kett who also a German U-boat on the surface gave permission for this article. aviation fuel, ammunition and food off Toulon, and for many years he from Gibraltar to the besieged island was credited with sinking U-431: in William Hedley Kett 1913-2014 of Malta, where Kett acquired the Obituary: the late 1980s, however, this was nickname “Tanker”. The aviation fuel reassessed as an attack on another was carried in the submarine’s tanks, Auxiliary when navigator, then as first lieutenant. U-boat which escaped undamaged. but several tons of stores had to be the Glover Clyde was one of the Navy’s largest Nevertheless, Kett was awarded stuffed into every nook and cranny Bros tanker he submarines, with a 57-man crew, a bar to his DSC for outstanding while Kett tried to keep track of its was serving in, and the air was often so stale that service in anti-submarine operations. Romney, was off-watch crew were ordered to their eventual underwater trim. When an chartered by the bunks at 4pm to conserve oxygen. Army officer handed him a crate of On his last patrol in the Mediterranean, Admiralty during There was no water for showers or lipsticks, Kett told him to take them Kett conducted a survey of the the Spanish washing, but the food was better back — but once he was persuaded shallow waters off the southern Civil War. By than in surface ships. Tinned, oily that they were good for morale on the French coast, using his forward- 1936 he had obtained his First Mate’s fish was a regular feature of the island, he relented. Having reached looking short range Asdic (sonar) to certificate and he joined the Royal diet, to compensate for the lack of Malta, Clyde lay on the bottom of the locate enemy mines. Each mine was Naval Reserve in 1938. When war sunshine and vitamin D. harbour by day, and by night Kett plotted, and no Allied ships were lost broke out he was a second officer of worked frantically to unload to mines during Operation Dragoon, On September 21 1941 Clyde was the 12,000-ton fleet auxiliary Arndale, the precious cargo. the Allied landings in southern France diverted from Atlantic escort duties and when she called at Colombo in August 1944. to Tarrafal Bay, Cape Verde Islands, After his fifth cargo run to Malta, to have defensive guns fitted he to investigate a report that German Kett was flown home in a Wellington By the end of the war, one in three became her gunnery officer. submarines were meeting to transfer bomber to attend the course for British submariners had lost their By November 1939 Kett was at fuel, torpedoes and crew. Clyde submarine captains. He arrived in lives, and of 18 officers on Kett’s Capt Hedley Kett, who has died home, preparing for his Master’s entered the bay on the surface England on September 24 1942, submarine captains’ course, only aged 100, was a successful wartime Certificate, when he was called up; at midnight, immediately saw married two days later, and the two survived the war, the other submarine commander and, it would be seven years before he the U-boat U-68, and fired six course started on September 27. being Admiral Sir John Roxburgh. At their diamond wedding his wife post-war, piloted ships in the sat the examination. He volunteered torpedoes which missed and William Hedley Kett was born at insisted that she had still not had North Sea and on the Thames. at once for the submarine service, exploded on the beach. Clyde Ponders End in the Lea Valley on July a honeymoon. In 1929 Kett went to sea as a deck and his first appointment was as dived to reload, hitting U-111, 28 1913, a descendant of Robert apprentice with the Bolton Steamship navigator of Oberon. Nine months which happened to be underneath. Kett was awarded a DSC for his Kett, leader of the rebellion in Norfolk Co. He entered the Royal Fleet later he joined Clyde, first as Surfacing an hour later, they saw a bravery and skill in successful in 1549 against the enclosure of submarine patrols. 12 13

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014

Obituary: Robert Louis Mann 1933-2014 Obituary: Michael James McCormick 1950-2014

Robert Louis After gaining his Second Mate’s Ealing. Lou then applied for, and Michael James work towards his Class 1 that year. Authorisation as a Class 1 Mann was certificate Lou joined the New obtained, a lecturer’s position at McCormick (Master Mariner) Certificate of pilot came in July 1994. born on 16 Zealand Shipping Company, and HMS Conway and was accepted as was born 17 Competency, after which he After appropriate training he December 1933 round this time fell down a hatch a London Sea Pilot (Cinque Ports December 1950 became Capt. M.J.McCormick. resumed his career in VTS in July in Beckenham, whilst in New York. He had to go Pilot) in 1968, moving with his wife in Ormskirk, During this year he met his wife to 1999 as a Duty Port Controller. Kent. The ashore for major surgery, and the and daughter to Cliftonville, Margate, Lancashire, be, who would be Jan McCormick by Since then he served the PLA in family moved doctors were unsure whether he where a second daughter was born. and from 1986. Together they both raised five the dual role of Pilot/DPC. He also a year later to would walk properly again. However, The family there lived a very happy there moved very accomplished children during gained VTS V103/2 qualifications. Eastcote near Pinner, and then on he made a full recovery and was life, full of friends. Following the to Liverpool where he was brought a marriage spanning 28 years. Mike Mike was an elected member of to Harrow just before World War sent to convalesce with an aunt who ‘Big Bang’ in Pilotage in 1988 Lou up by his mum with his elder sister decided to come ashore for the last the London Pilots Committee (LPC) 2. Lou remembered a very happy lived near Boston in Massachusetts, became an employed pilot with the Paddy. He attended the Liverpool time in 1987 so that he could watch for 6 years from 1996-2002 and and privileged childhood; he was so he was able to spend time there Port of London, retiring in 1996. Institute High School for Boys until his children grow up and not leave Chairman for three of those years. not evacuated and not subject to enjoying life on the beaches of he was 17 years old, where he built a During 2012 Lou was diagnosed his family for long periods of time. During his service on the LPC, Mike the bombings of South London. Martha’s Vineyard. He was then sent colourful rugby career, being offered with cancer. He responded well to represented the London pilots on As a child, Lou spent many happy back to the surgeon to see if he was the chance to be paid to play for a In 1988-1989 Mike worked for the initial treatment and remained several external committees and holidays in Nantes, France, where fit enough to return to the UK – he league rugby team. He turned this Nectar Shipping and Projects optimistic. Later that year he and forums and headed a select team at his love and passion for the was, and returned as a Disabled opportunity down to pursue a career in London before finally joining Brenda celebrated 50 years of negotiations for pay and conditions French language, food and culture British Seaman on Queen Mary – at sea. the Port of London Authority. He marriage, but not long after that with senior officers of the PLA. would blossom. not a bad passage! initially trained as a Marine Officer/ happy event his beloved wife In 1968 he joined Ben Line Duty Officer in the River Division of He was a very much-loved father, After leaving school Lou attended Lou joined the Burma Oil Company Brenda died. Lou continued in a very Steamships in Scotland to begin the PLA to keep VTS watches at husband and a great family man King Edward VII Nautical College in 1958, and spent two years in the positive way, determined to learn to an officer cadetship in the Merchant Gravesend and Woolwich stations who accomplished so much in his in the East End of London, and it Far East. When Burma Oil went out live a different life. This he managed, Navy, working his way through the and also as a duty Dockmaster at lifetime. Mike sadly passed away was there he decided he wanted of business he returned from Hong for a while, but sadly, on 30 May ranks. In 1973 he attended South Tilbury. The privatisation of the on 28 May 2014 after a long illness, to go to sea. He joined his first ship Kong, stopping off in Marseilles, then 2014 he succumbed to the cancer. Shields Marine and Technical College Tilbury Dock in 1991 prompted his bravely fought. He will be sorely missed. as an apprentice with the British Italy, and finally Dublin, where he and gained his Second Mates Lou is survived by his two daughters, transfer to the Pilotage, initial Tanker Company in 1951, and whilst studied for and obtained his Master’s Certificate of Competency. He then Catriona and Rebecca, their authorisation coming in August of Kerry McCormick (Daughter) completing his first trip, which lasted F.G. certificate. Brenda, whom he met moved to serve with Canadian Pacific husbands, and three much loved eleven months, he was fortunate at a dance in Richmond, visited him Steamships. He stayed ashore grandchildren. Those who knew enough to circumnavigate the globe. there, and in April 1962 he proposed, as a personal officer until going to him well will sorely miss him. The Pilot would also like to note the sad passing of past members: and they married that August in sea once again in 1977, the same Robert Runyeard MBE Weymouth Pilot who passed sadly away on 14 July year that he attended Liverpool 2014. Robert was a Weymouth Pilot who was awarded the MBE for marine Polytechnic to study for his First services as the RNLI Coxswain for the local station. Mates Certificate of Competency. Obituary: Terence Norris 1936-2013 1982 saw Mike attend Liverpool Frank Finn a retired Trent Pilot and member of the Trent Pilots Association Polytechnic College once again to from 1968 - 1988 who passed away 29 September 2014. Terry was in 1961. While at Falmouth he met Terry was diagnosed with born on 25th Diana and they married in 1959 at Parkinson’s and as this became May 1936 in Falmouth Parish Church. Sadly Diana more advanced, he made the Leeds, but died in 1995 of Cancer. decision to move to Hebdon Bridge while he was to be closer to his daughter, Karen. In 1961 he joined the Transport Ferry still young Service and was promoted to Master Terry died on 30th August 2013, UK Maritime Pilots’ the family in 1967. at his home in Mytholm Meadows, moved to Hebdon Bridge and his funeral took Counselling and Support Service Scarborough. In 1970, Terry joined the Humber place at St. James, Hebdon Bridge Pilots, where he stayed until The UK Maritime Pilots’ Counselling and He pursued on 16th September 2013. his retirement. an ambition Support Service offers either telephone support Terry is very much missed by all his to go to sea by sitting the entrance Terry always enjoyed being that may be a one-off phone call or one-to-one family. Terry was a fine ship mate exam for the Graham Sea Training around family, enjoying gardening, counselling with a BACP (British Association At least and long-time friend. 6 School in Scarborough. caravanning, barbeques and parties. of Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered sessions He met his second wife, Maureen, He joined his first ship in 1952 as an counsellor in your locality. FREE OF in Grimsby and they married in 2001. apprentice at the age of 16, sailing CHARGE Sadly in 2006, Maureen died with Shell tankers and passed his of Cancer. Masters Foreign Going Certificate A.H. Osgood 07580 556102 14 15

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 miles from their homes and families. 7% of the income. In terms of paid The more available, the greater the The Charity is managed at the staff there is a skeleton crew, who outreach into the wider community. Seafarers Wi-Fi System installed at Felixstowe Centre and operates staff the shop and bar and drive at It is interesting to note that the two small satellites, one at Harwich evenings and weekends. They are provision of welfare for seafarers at International Port and the other at the all part-time, except for the centre’s the Port of Ipswich David Thurston Ipswich goes way back to November Port of Ipswich, where seafarers can manager. The Felixstowe Centre’s 1868 when the 549 tons 16 gun relax, socialise and seek assistance financial viability is highly dependent th brig-sloop Helena was gifted by the On Thursday 30 October 2014, and fly over the sea but rarely think from maritime charities. So enquiries in spiritual and temporal matters. on volunteers, who include first and Admiralty for a floating chapel for Felixstowe & Haven Ports Seafarers’ of the sea’s significance in terms of were made and application forms The Felixstowe Centre also serves foremost the honorary treasurer seamen and moored in the dock Service held a ceremony on board how 90% of everything in our stores submitted. Happily the idea was as a base for the chaplains and a team of highly dependable near Eagle Wharf. She remained in the Thames sailing barge Victor at arrives by sea. Particularly we do not received well and donations came in appointed and remunerated by their weekday minibus drivers, and also a use until June 1880, when the Navy Ipswich Docks, to celebrate the think of the lives of those who work from major charitable organisations. participating societies, from which married couple doing the gardening transferred her to other duties. She inauguration of the Seafarers Wi on the ships that bring them. She they perform their ministry in all and some building maintenance, a The main contributor has been gave her name to Helena Road –Fi network at the Port of Ipswich. addresses the perils faced by a ship’s Haven Ports. In the course of a year new librarian and others who assist the charity Seafarers UK. Their that now runs along the east side Members of the Haven Ports welfare crew, both external – storms, piracy, the crews of some 5,500 ships that the two chaplains. Several dedicated Felixstowe branch was left a large of the dock next to the wharf. It is committee, representatives from un-seaworthy ships – and internal – visit the Haven avail themselves of groups of ladies knit woolly hats and legacy by Beryl Threadkell to fund thought to have been one of the shipping agencies, port users, senior loneliness and boredom. its services. scarves as gifts to the seafarers. maritime projects in the Suffolk earliest establishments used for the management of ABP, including Volunteers are often recruited So why was the Wi-Fi network area. The project matched perfectly Funding for the Felixstowe Centre is provision of welfare to seafarers. James Cooper, CEO and executive and introduced to the Centre by installed? Traditionally, seafarers the legacy’s requirements, so generated from different sources. An director of ABP, and members of volunteers. All these volunteers David Thurston is a senior pilot at have visited seafarers centres to Seafarers UK were delighted to astonishing 80% comes from sales Felixstowe & Haven Ports Seafarers make a difference to the Centre’s Harwich Haven Authority and was make landline phone calls to their make a substantial contribution. to the seafarers themselves. Of the Service attended the ceremony. effectiveness, but more volunteers, appointed as honorary chairman families around the world. However, The Merchant Navy Welfare Board rest 13% comes from donations, the even if they can give only one or two at Felixstowe & Haven Ports as technology also made a large donation, the shipping companies providing only hours a week, are always welcome. Seafarers’ Service in January 2012. progressed, Felixstowe & Haven Ports Seafarers’ they started Service making up the shortfall. using mobile However, to meet future operating phones, and costs ABP and port users are Joe Wilson PNPF Retirement now they use discussing how to generate funds Tees pilot Joe Wilson retires from the PNPF Trustee it has been nothing short of monumental. Both he and the internet for this purpose. after 16 years very loyal service. Joe became a trustee Richard Williamson found themselves on Lex Co, the provided at all in May 1998 when elected Alternate Trustee following in legal committee, where the workload turned out to be The Ipswich Harbour master Capt of the charity’s the footsteps of Tees pilot Mike Irving. He was elected huge and which extended over many years. Such was Jerry Coleman, chairman of the centres to a Full Trustee in 2002, which in itself is quite a record, his commitment to serve, Joe attended every day of Haven Ports Welfare committee, communicate considering the turbulent time that the PNPF has been the three-week court case in January 2010. first presented the idea to the with family through with ‘the court case’. To sum up Joe’s service, Nigel Allen management of ABP Ipswich. ABP and friends fully embraced and supported the and to access project, recognizing the benefits to social of being associated with this media. pioneering installation. UKMPA Office details REMEMBER... Left to right: Capt Jerry Coleman (Ipswich Harbour Master), Andrew However, If you are involved in any incident Harston (ABP Director, Short Sea Ports), Rose George, James just over three Now that the system is operational Email: [email protected] (no matter how trivial it may Cooper (CEO ABP), David Thurston, (Chairman FHPSS) UKMPA years ago, the at all commercial berths in Ipswich seem at the time) it is imperative The former 549 tons, 16 gun brig-sloop Helena Web: www.ukmpa.org chaplains who the feedback from the visiting 128 Theobald's Road that you complete an incident visit the ships seafarers is most encouraging. London Secretarial support report and forward it to the The Wi-Fi network is unique in the said that because of the geography It is understood that the MNWB WC1X 8TN insurance company. United Kingdom, being the first of the Port of Ipswich and the quick are showing an interest and provided by Donna Reeve system set up for the provision of turnarounds many seafarers found it may encourage other ports to Tel: 020 7611 2613 THE NEW INCIDENT REPORT seafarers’ welfare. It was officially difficult or even impossible to reach follow Ipswich’s example and FORM WITH INSTRUCTIONS declared open by Rose George, the centre at Ipswich to use the install a network to support Members Details CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM author of the acclaimed book Deep Internet. This made some seafarers seafarers’ welfare. If any of your personal details THE UKMPA WEBSITE.

Sea and Foreign Going, which won feel very isolated, and it soon Felixstowe & Haven Ports Seafarers’ such as address, email or the Mountbatten Maritime Award became apparent that they would Service is a standalone charity telephone number have Disclaimer: The contents and articles in 2013 and was written after a benefit from having access to the registered in 1976 to provide changed, please inform us within this magazine represent the five-week voyage from Felixstowe Internet without having to leave rest, recreation, entertainment views of the authors and may not to Singapore Rose made in 2010 their vessel. at the earliest opportunity, and spiritual guidance in a safe necessarily reflect those of the on the large container ship Maersk so that we can update our Editor’s Details The idea was explored and after environment, without restriction UKMPA. Authors are responsible Kendal. In her book she addresses receiving several quotes it was clear of nationality, race or creed for all membership records. New Mike Robarts, Editor of The for ensuring that any content is free the concept of sea blindness, a that the only way the project was seafarers, the majority of whom details should be sent to Pilot, can be contacted via from any copyright unless credited condition in which many of us shop going to happen was to seek funding spend many months thousands of [email protected] email at [email protected] in the text. 16 17

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 UKPMA Executive Incident procedures and legal rights All active members should have received an orange card detailing the procedures to be taken following an incident. If PosITION CONTACT telephone email/WEB you haven’t received such a card please contact the insurers. Chairman Don Cockrill (H) 01795 537310 [email protected] If you are involved in any incident (no matter how trivial it may (M) 07966 709403 seem at the time) it is imperative that you complete an incident report and forward it to the insurance company. Vice-Chairman John Pearn (H) 01646 601556 [email protected] The incident form with instructions can be downloaded & IMPA VP (M) 07960 617536 from the UKMPA website. Vice-Chairman Mike Morris (M) 07890 260915 [email protected] Minor incident: Forward the incident report as directed. & EMPA VP During normal office hours you can also speak to Drew Smith Lairdside Maritime Centre Treasurer (Region 4) Bob Watt (M) 07917 443273 [email protected] at Circle insurance: 0141 242 4822 Major incident: During office hours as above, outside office Port Safety Port Operations Secretary (Region 3) Peter Lightfoot (M) 07786 153063 [email protected] hours call 07790 069306 I Accident Investigation I PilotTraining I I For full details, please refer to UKMPA Circular: 5 of 2013 Risk Assessment Ship Handling Membership Jason Wiltshire (M) 07793 534547 [email protected] Studies I Tug Operations (Region 2) [email protected] I EscortTowage Region 1 Hywel Pugh (M) 07970 041657 [email protected] ISPS Social Networking I Development and Port Development Region 5 Martin James (M) 07850 902560 [email protected] UKMPA members are all encouraged facilitation of Security I Simulation and analysis of to participate in the forum debates on Exercises proposed Harbour Facilities Region 6 Martin Chatterton (M) 07940 568373 [email protected] Linkedin. To join the group, sign up for a I PFSOTraining I Navigation Studies Linkedin account and type "UKMPA" into I AuditorTraining (eg Wind Farm) Chairman, Technical Nick Lee (M) 07929 053944 [email protected] the group search box which will take you & Training Committee to the relevant registration page. Insurance Ken Pound 0207 480 1159 [email protected] for further information The UKMPA is also now in the Besso Insurance Group Ltd. "Twittersphere": @UKPILOTS t: +44 (0)151 647 0494 f: +44 (0)151 647 0498 8-11 Crescent, City of London Greater London EC3N 2LY w: www.lairdside-maritime.com e: [email protected] Insurance Drew Smith 0141 242 4844 [email protected] Circle Insurance 71 Berkeley Street Glasgow G3 7DX UKPMA Regions REGION No. AREA COVERED PORTS London, South of England and London, Medway, Dover, Littlehampton, 1 Southampton including the Isle of Wight Portsmouth, Southampton, Cowes

2 All ports including Crouch as far as Cromer Crouch, Harwich Haven, Gt. Yarmouth

All ports on the East Coast of England Kings Lynn, Wisbech, Boston, Seaham, 3 between Cromer and Berwick Upon Tweed Tees Bay Forth, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Peterhead, 4 Scotland Inverness, Cromarty, Lerwick, Orkney, Stornaway, Clyde Northern Ireland, North West England and Londonderry, Belfast, Barrow, Heysham, 5 North Wales including Anglesey Liverpool, Manchester Europilots, Milford Haven, SW Wales, SE South Wales, Europilots and South West 6 Wales, Gloucester, Bristol, Falmouth, Scilly England, Westward of the Isle of Wight Isles, Fowey, Dartmouth, Teignmouth, Poole If you require local secretary’s details, please contact the UKMPA secretary: [email protected]

18 19

The Pilot The Pilot Winter 2014 Winter 2014 Lifesaving Equipment has moved on...

but the water is still deadly! Combination Coat & Lifejacket first choice for professional mariners worldwide • Featuring an integrated 170N lifejacket • 100% waterproof, breathable fabrics with colour options The coat that becomes a lifejacket • Embroidered logos & crests • Extensive options list in less than 5 seconds! • Build-a coat (to your requirements) on our website • CE Approved

Web: www.seasafe.co.uk 20 Email: [email protected]

The Pilot Winter 2014 SeaSafe Systems Ltd., Mariners House, Mariners Way, Somerton Business Park, Newport Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8PB, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1983 282388 Email: [email protected] Web: www.seasafe.co.uk