MV John M

As I mentioned in an earlier post I needed some seagoing watch keeping time after failing my 2nd Mate’s exam. Not sure how I made contact with Metcalfe Motor Coasters but I duly joined the John M at Percy Main on the River Tyne as an un-certificated 3rd Mate on 27-6-72. This was rather interesting and […]

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MV Strathfarrar

Sealion took over management of the Strathfarar whilst she was supporting the pipe laying operations of the Seamac 1 offshore China.  Along with the Ch/eng and Mate we flew to Hong Kong followed by a ferry to China and a thirteen hour taxi ride to Zhanjiang, joining the ship on 8th February 1994. After a quick […]

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MV Royal Service

  Whilst on leave Offshore Marine personnel manager would often call up to see if I was available for extra work as they were sometimes short of crew. Under these circumstances I joined the Royal Service on three different occasions spending up to two weeks on board at a time. The Royal Service and her […]

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MV Cape Shore

I returned to Spain and joined the Cape Shore in San Carlos de la Rapita on 29-08-1973. This was a perfect job in the sunshine, only spending one or two nights at sea a week and never far from land. The occasional rig shift was included and before long we moved the rig round to […]

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MV Otaki

Signed on articles at the Royal Docks on 09-10-1967. Before we sailed the ship underwent engine trials and an engine explosion ensued resulting in some engine room staff being taken to hospital by ambulance. I had popped ashore after the trials were complete to buy an evening newspaper and when I returned on board there […]

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MV Ruthenic

  Just a run job on this one from Royal Docks to Avonmouth. Engines had problems and it took us three days to actually get out of the docks and into the Thames. Originally built in Belfast as the mv Durango during the Second World War. After leaving the ship it was back to London […]

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MV Hurunui

  Just a coastal run on this ship, from the Royal Docks to Southampton then back to London, or even home, to await joining the Nottingham. On pay off day (07-04-66) the Number One record in the UK charts was: The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore by the Walker Brothers.

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