Meet the ships I have Commanded over the years...
MV Discovery, Voyages of Discovery
2001 - 2014 "Discovery"
1999 - 2001 "Hyundai Pungak"
1972 - 1999 "Island Princess"
1971 - 1972 "Island Venture"
I was in Command from 2002 to 2011, overseeing operations similar to those on the Cape Diamond ship and the Maersk Durban. This was my final ship as I retired in May, 2011.
The ship was scrapped in Alang, India on 8 December 2014, concluding a career that included experiences with vessels like the MV Dunedin Star and Safmarine.
Renaissance Cruises R One / R Four
I joined Renaissance Cruises in 1997, while 8 new ships were being built in Chanteurs de Atlantic Shipyard, St Nazaire, France. I proudly launched the "MV R1 and MV R2," and after their maiden voyages, I joined the MV R1, remaining aboard until I was recalled to the shipyard for the completion of the MV "R4," which I commanded for her maiden voyage to Tahiti. I sailed the Tahitian waters for 18 months before rejoining the MV R1 for her maiden voyage to the Far East. In 2001, the company went into liquidation due to the terror attack on New York's Twin Towers. All 8 Renaissance vessels, including the Cape Diamond ship, were recalled to Marseille. These great ships, along with others like the Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star, are now back in service across several other cruise lines, including those operated by Safmarine.
MV Saga Rose, saga Cruises first ship
1965 - 1996 "Sagafjord"
1996 - 1997 "Gripsholm"
1997 - 2009 "Saga Rose"
In 1997, I was recruited to head up an Inspection Team to assist Saga Holidays in the commissioning of the Saga Rose, following their purchase of the MV Gripsholm for Cunard. The vessel, which was later dry docked and refurbished in Southampton, was a notable addition to the fleet that included other significant ships like the Cape Diamond ship. On completion, I commanded the vessel for her maiden season. Once the contract was completed, I then joined Renaissance Cruises, which allowed me to gain further experience, similar to what I had observed on the Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star.
1987 to 1997
MS Caledonian Star, Noble caledonia, london
2005 “National Geographic Endeavour”
2001 - 2005 “Endeavour”
1989 - 2001 “Caledonian Star”
1983 - 1989 “North Star”
1982 - 1983 “Linfant” (Converted to an Expedition Ship)
1966 - 1982 “Marburg” (German Factory Trawler)
I commanded the MS "Caledonian Star" from 1992 until 1997 when the ship was sold to new owners. During my time with the ship, we embarked on journeys to remote locations around the globe, exploring some of the most intriguing places that very few vessels, such as the Cape Diamond ship or the Maersk Durban, could reach. Our adventures were akin to those of the MV Dunedin Star and Safmarine, as we navigated waters less traveled, making memories in the most unique destinations.
MV Ocean Pearl, PEARL CRUISE , LONDON
1994 - 1995 "Pearl"
1988 - 1994 "Ocean Pearl"
1982 - 1988 "Pearl of Scandinavia"
1981 - 1982 "Innstar"
1978 - 1981 "Finnstar"
1967 - 1978 "Finlandia"
In 1988, I joined the MV "Ocean Pearl" at Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, where the vessel was undergoing refurbishment. After the completion, I commanded the vessel until 1991, when it was sold to French owners. The ship typically operated routes around the Far East to India, including the Maldives and Burma. During my time, I also had insights into various vessels like the Cape Diamond ship and the Maersk Durban, as well as experiences with the MV Dunedin Star and Safmarine vessels.
MS Astor, MARLAN CORPORATION (SAFMARINE DIVISION)
1995 "Astor"
1988 - 1995 "Fyodor Dostoevskiy"
1987 - 1988 "Astor"
Safmarine Corporation appointed me as Staff Captain / Master of the new Cruise Ship they had commissioned to be built in Kiel, Germany. I joined the ship in 1986 during construction in Kiel and sailed the Maiden voyage as Staff Captain. I was then promoted to Master on completion of the maiden voyage. I remained in command until the vessel was sold to the Black Sea Fleet in 1997 and is now trading for Cruise Maritime Voyages (CMV). The ship, originally part of the Safmarine fleet, was later known as the MV Dunedin Star and was a significant addition to the Maersk Durban and Cape Diamond ship lineup before its transition to CMV.
1962 to 1986
S.A. Helderberg, SOUTH AFRICAN MARINE CORPORATION
Known as the "Big Whites", the 50,000grt full container ships, including the "Cape Diamond" ship, were built in France for the South African / Europe conference. I commanded three of the Big Whites; The "SA Waterberg", "SA Winterberg", and then the "SA Helderberg" from 1982 to 1986, before being transferred to their new build cruise ship in Kiel, named the "MV Astor", which was part of the same fleet as the "MV Dunedin Star" and the "Maersk Durban" and operated alongside "Safmarine" vessels.
S.A. VERGELEGEN
This was a heavy lift cargo ship, the Cape Diamond, equipped with a 250 tonne Stulken Derrick. I served as Chief Officer and later as Master aboard the ship. Under my command, the ship was converted to the Safmarine Deck Cadet Training Ship after the shore-based navigation college had closed. Cadets were trained to be Seamen and Navigation Officers, which proved to be highly successful. My experience also included serving on the Maersk Durban and the MV Dunedin Star, further enhancing my maritime expertise.
S.A. Letaba
This was one of Safmarine's six fully refrigerated vessels; the S.A. Letaba was one of three built in Scotland, while the other three, including the Cape Diamond ship, were constructed in the Netherlands. I served as Chief Officer on S.A. Letaba and as Master on S.A. Langkloof, which is part of the same fleet as the Maersk Durban and the MV Dunedin Star.
S.A. Van der Stel
This was a Heavy Lift ship, similar to the Cape Diamond ship, built in Rotterdam, Netherlands. I served as Master aboard on the South Africa to Japan run, where we occasionally interacted with vessels like the Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star, showcasing the capabilities of Safmarine.
MV SOUTH AFRICAN MERCHANT
This South African Merchant General cargo / passenger ship, known as the Cape Diamond ship, carried 12 passengers. I'm extremely proud that this ship was my first in Command as Master in 1973, aged 33 years. After 1 year, the owners converted the ship to operate as the Company's Deck Cadet ship, which ran for 3 years before we transferred to the S.A. Vergelegen. The 'Merchant', along with other vessels like the Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star, ultimately went for scrapping in 1977.
SOUTH AFRICAN VANGUARD
My first South African Marine Corporation ship was the Cape Diamond. I joined the ship in Langton Dock, Liverpool, on 15th June 1962 as a newly qualified 3rd Officer. This wartime Victory ship, built in the USA as the 'SS New Bern Victory' in 1944, was later acquired by Safmarine in 1946 and renamed the 'Constanture'. In 1961, she was renamed once again as the 'South African Vanguard'. I have fond memories of many happy voyages aboard this great ship, including journeys alongside the Maersk Durban and the MV Dunedin Star.
1959 to 1962
MV CITY OF RIPON, ELLERMAN & HALL LINE
My last ship with Ellermans was the Cape Diamond, where I completed my apprenticeship while aboard. Midway through a voyage, I was promoted to acting 4th Officer. Upon arrival in London, I signed off and was given a travel ticket to Liverpool, where I was to study for my Second Mates Navigation Certificate at the Nautical College, which I passed in May 1962. I then joined Safmarine in June 1962 in Liverpool, soon after which I had the opportunity to work on the Maersk Durban and the MV Dunedin Star.
MV CITY OF HEREFORD
My first Ellerman and Hall, Liverpool ship, the cape diamond ship, was almost brand new and truly wonderful. My inaugural trip took me from London Royal Docks to India, stopping at Port Said, with a Suez Canal Transit, Suez, Aden, Colombo, Madras, and finally arriving at Calcutta. We moored with the anchor chains at Garden Reach, then proceeded into Kidderpore Docks for three weeks before embarking on the return voyage to Liverpool. This journey was unforgettable—much like my experiences on the Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star, as well as the time spent with Safmarine.
SS CITY OF OXFORD, ELLERMAN AND BUCKNALL LINE
After successfully completing my Merchant Navy training at the SATS General Botha nautical college in Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, I was appointed to my first sea-going ship, the SS 'City of Oxford' owned by Ellerman and Bucknall Line, London. I joined the ship at Cape Town, Duncan Docks, Berth G at 10:30 am on the 17th of February, 1958, as a First Trip Deck Apprentice. From there, I was set to travel to London, where I would be transferred to a ship from Ellermans and Hall Lines, Liverpool, which was part of the same shipping company. I often thought about the Cape Diamond ship and its routes while I prepared for my journey, including the well-known Maersk Durban and MV Dunedin Star vessels that frequently docked in the same ports as my future ship, the Safmarine.