Attended Warsash in Hamble, Southampton at 18 to train as Navigating Officer. Joined Shaw Savill and then Furnis Withy as a cadet and then as a navigating officer working on fridge ships to and from Australia and New Zealand. First voyage left from King George V docks in London – now site of City Airport!
 
Moved to gas tankers as British fleet got smaller and work on merchant shipping changed.
 
Did his 2nd Mate’s qualification at John Cass college, Tower Bridge and 1st Mate and Master’s qualifications at University of Plymouth. Worked as Master/Captain for shipping agents Dorchester Marine on Dutch and Korean ships travelling to and from Middle East.