Ray McCerery

Ray sent the following email through around March 2003. Disappointingly he reports that no on has followed it up yet.

ray.mccerery@ntlworld.com Hi Gordon Yes I remember the late 70s. Not a lot going on job wise especially for PCOs or Ch.Stewards. Afraid them good days were over.I spent over ten years foreign flag ex Blue Funnel (Transoceam Marine) then they started with Yugos and Indians so that came to a end. Did a couple of years Camp Boss in Saudi then got a Ch Pursers job on the old Ro Ro Ferries running out of Suez to Jeddah that was different!!. Then being from Sunderland or the North East a lot of lads got jobs on the rigs-flotels-supply ships-diving ships-standby ships seemed to be plenty of work twelve years ago but things got tight mid 90s, but things are looking good again Three years ago the company I work for wanted 12 Cooks at £21.000 per year 1-1 leave system 28 on 28 off and I could only find seven. I tried pubs clubs Seamen's Mission in South Shields the RMT but no one left or interested. Last time home when I turned the dreaded 60 and some of the lads said it's a good job you have been with that company for so long because no way would you get a job at sea at sixty!!. Sent a few CVs out and was offered five jobs. Three at sea as Ch.Cook on Ferries from Dover and two Supply companies plus two Chef/managers jobs both offshore in Kazistan. Won that bet hands down. It's a pity a lot of ex seaman are not into PCs and web pages because believe me the jobs are there be it Asst/Stwds at £17.500 pa or Head Cooks at£29.000 pa to Chef/Managers at £34.000 pa (Another name for (Cook/Steward) most on a one - one leave system. Still, pleased that your are still employed hope I am at 68 and still be at sea.Never know.We have a boswain in the company 67. If I can be of help in getting anyone a job by pointing them in the right direction I would be pleased to do so. Kind Regards Ray (R700934)

certs disbooks hightower   This photo is of my last voyage on the William C hightower. Maiden voyage from the builders in Singapore to Malabo in E Guinea West Africa. A modern Platform Supply Vessel 4000 tons dw 80m lenth 16 crew multi natinonal. 8 weeks on 8 weeks rota. more info to follow.   Regards   Ray Ch.Cook & Bottle washer