Ian Cowan
I joined RSL as a Deck Cadet in 1972, my father was George Cowan who was the Welding Instructor in UCS when the NWC and Tacoma were built and trained a fair few of the RSL people.
My first voyage was on the NWC on that fateful voyage which resulted in running aground off Penarth Head, my comment at the time (05:00)to Brian Jones(RIP)was "Does this happen every trip?" you can imagine his response - colourfulto say the least.
I sailed on various trips until around 1984 (I think) when there was talk of transferring the remains of the fleet to the Singapore flag.
Vessels included most of the 840's, Indian City, Devon and the Cardiff, Welsh City, Maria Elisa, Bibi and the Gela, remember her because she's missing from the list of TMM ships?
After RSL worked with various companies including 10 years on N.Sea supply and DP vessels ending with P&O Irish Sea Ferries before I headed offshore for around 12 years.
Now Corporate Marine Manager with Songa Offshore based in Limasol, Cyprus.
Still travelling around the world although mostly by air to visit various rigs and projects within this company.
Latest sighting of another RSL man was Ian Stewart who replaced me as Offshore Installation Manager with GlobalSantaFe drilling which was taken over by Transocean.
Many great memories of the the days before containerisation ruined the job.
Great to see that some of the old hands are still around and keeping in touch.
February 2011.