• Marine

James Fisher bids farewell to Captain Smith

After a lifetime working at sea and 20 years with James Fisher, Captain Dennis Smith - master of Solway Fisher - has just retired.

Dennis, who had an exemplary work and safety record throughout his 45-year career, started work on steam tugs on the River Tyne at the age of 15. He joined Rowbotham tankships as junior 3rd mate in 1975 at the age of 25, gained his Masters Extended European Certificate and was promoted to master in 1981. Rowbothams eventually became P&O Tankships which was bought by James Fisher in 1997.

‘My job has certainly changed over the years,’ he says, ‘when I was first made captain the crew were paid on board in cash, so the toughest day each month was payday when I had to lock myself away and work out all the tax, national insurance and overtime.’

‘That all gets sorted by admin staff offshore now (thank goodness!), but my paperwork has quadrupled over the years and a captain’s activities have gradually increased to include vettings, port and flag state inspections, audits and budgets. It is immensely satisfying when things go right and the ship gets a clean bill of health – which wouldn’t be possible without good competent crew and shore staff.’

Dennis plans to spend his well-deserved retirement with his wife of 47 years, Marilyn, walking, playing golf, touring the UK, practising his guitar and enjoying time with their two teenage grandchildren.