Having done my pre-sea training on HMS Conway (Menai Straits, North Wales) from January 1947 to December 1948, I was with the Lamport and Holt Line from 1949 to 1955. I was Cadet and then Third Mate on many general cargo ships including a coal burner and Liberty Ship.
I joined Esso Petroleum in 1956 and moved up through the ranks to relieving Master in 1965. At Esso I was on tankers from 5000 dwt to 200,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage is the ship's carrying capacity). In 1969 I was confirmed as permanent Master, but since the previous year I had been ashore and I didn't go back to sea. I did a spell in Head Office when the Very Large Crude Carriers ("VLCC's") were building and then worked for a couple of years on the marine Terminal at Fawley. I then moved into Pipelines operations based at Wolverhampton (hated being away from the sea) and then back to Fawley until, in 1988) they made me an offer I couldn't refuse to retire early.