Hello and Welcome!

2001 - 2014 " Discovery

1999 - 2001 "Hyundai Pungak

1972 - 1999 "Island Princess

1971 - 1972 "Island Venture"

I was in Command from 2002 to 2011.

This was my final ship as I retired in May, 2011.

Ship was scrapped in Alang, India on 8 December 2014

I Joined Renaissance Cruises in 1997, whilst 8 New Ships were being built in Chanteurs de Atlantic Shipyard, St Nazaire, France. I proudly launched the "MV R1 and MV R2", following which I joined the MV R1 after her maiden Voyage, and remained aboard until 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, then rejoined 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 were recalled to Marseille. These great ships are now back in service across several other cruise lines.

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 dry docked and was then refurbished in Southampton. On completion I commanded the vessel for her maiden season. Once contract was completed, I then joined Renaissance Cruises.

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)

Commanded the MS "Caledonian Star" from 1992 until 1997 when the ship was sold to new owners. As a full expedition ship, we traveled the world to the most out of the way and interesting places where very few ships could venture. 

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" in Sembawang shipyard, Singapore where the vessel was being refurbished. Upon completion, I then commanded the vessel until 1991 when the vessel was then sold onto French owners. The ship generally operated around the Far East to India, including the Maldives and Burma.

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, in Kiel during construction 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 1997, and  is now trading for Cruise Maritime Voyages (CMV).

Known as the "Big Whites", the 50,000grt full container ships were built in France for the South African / Europe conference. I commanded three of the Big Whites; The "SA Waterberg"," SA Winterberg" then the "SA Helderberg," from 1982 to 1986, when I was then transferred to their New build cruise ship in Kiel, named the "MV Astor".

This was a heavy lift cargo ship with 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 as the shore based navigation College had closed. Cadets were trained to be Seamen and Navigation Officers, this proved to be highly successful. 

This was one of Safmarines six fully refrigerated vessels; SA Letaba was one of three which had been built in Scotland. The other three refrigerated ships were built in the Netherlands. I served as Chief Officer on S.A. Letaba and Master on S.A. Langkloof.

This was a Heavy Lift ship built in Rotterdam, Netherlands. I served as Master aboard on the South Africa to Japan run.

This South African Merchant General cargo / passenger 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. This ran for 3 years when we transferred to the S.A. Vergelegen. The "Merchant" went for scrapping 1977.

My first South African Marine Corporation ship. I joined the ship in Langton Dock, Liverpool, 15th June 1962 as a newly qualified 3rd Officer. A wartime Victory ship, built in the USA; as the "SS New Bern Victory, 1944. In 1946 Safmarine purchased the ship as the "Constanture" and later renamed her in 1961 as the "South African Vanguard". A great ship with many a happy voyage aboard.

My last ship with Ellermans; I completed my apprenticeship whilst aboard the ship and as we were halfway 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.

My first Ellerman and Hall, Liverpool ship; almost brand new and awonderful ship. My first trip was from London Royal Docks to India, calling at Port Said, the Suez Canal Transit, Suez, Aden, Colombo, Madras and the final discharging port was Calcutta. We moored up with the anchor chains at Garden Reach, then into Kidderpore Docks for three weeks. This all before the return voyage to Liverpool. A voyage never to be forgotten!

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 in Cape Town, Duncan Docks, Berth G at 10.30am on the 17th February 1958, as a First trip deck Apprentice. I was to travel to London where i would be transferred to a ship from Ellermans and Hall Lines, Liverpool.; The Shipping Company I had joined.