Reardon Smith Line 1950/60's
One disadvantage with the Company in the 1950/60s was the distinct lack of promotion. Most ships sailed with uncertificated Third Mates, Second Mates with 2nd Mates tickets and Mates waiting for “dead mans shoes.” Officers like Mark Higgins, Barty Parkhouse and Harry Lloyd Evans were Mates in excess of ten years. I was Second Mate for five years and Mate for seven, although the main reason for this was my tardiness in getting my Mates and Masters Certificate!
As new building progressed and Masters retired things improved. Indeed, the pendulum swung the other way and it became necessary to recruit personnel from outside. I relieved one Master who was an ex Cunard Staff Captain! Prior to this there had been very little recruitment from outside and all Masters were “home grown”.
Wives at Sea: - Officers approached the Company for permission for their wives to accompany them, but the final decision was that of the Master. The most I had on board simultaneously was four. I have to say that they caused no problems. In fact, it could be said that their presence tended to bring out the “more refined” side of the other Officers, (was there ever such a thing??), and encouraged more of a “family” feeling amongst the men. Children were most welcome provided the parents kept them well under control. It was apparent that they went down well with the Indian Stewards and crew who generally appreciated their presence.
Finally, these were times when the fleet was being replaced and the new tonnage being crewed by Bombay Indian personnel. Meanwhile, the older tonnage retained British white crews. The difference in conditions between the two was painfully obvious!! John Cann Posted on forum 30/11/09.
There was no problem with promotion in the engine room. When national service ended, the supply of time served fitters dodging the army dryed up. It was a case of joining the ship, looking good and taking the good with the bad. After that promotion came along and as long as you were up to it it was your's. Roger Shannon. Posted on forum 29/12/09.
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