THE DOCKYARD Port of Clyde has a new Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM Clyde).
David Lightfoot, who has held the QHM Clyde post for the past eleven years, retired on Friday, April 29, formally handing over to new QHM Ian White.
Colleagues and well-wishers from HM Naval Base Clyde gathered at the waterside to wave-off David as he took to the Gareloch in Royal Navy P2000 Patrol Boat, HMS Tracker, for the final time.
Although a former Royal Navy Submariner, David was the first ever civilian Queen’s Harbour Master, taking up the post in 2011 after retiring from the navy and just as new regulations for ports came into effect. During his time with his small team he led Port Operations through a period of considerable change and challenge, all the while maintaining the essential work demanded of the Royal Navy Fleet.
Most notably, under his direction, the Dockyard Port of Clyde was the first to attain full compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code which David maintained right up to his retirement.
His good work and expertise were also evident outside the Dockyard Port where he established a compliant MOD fuelling jetty to support military operations at Loch Ewe.
He departs leaving behind him a safe, secure and effective Dockyard Port, one which has set a standard for other Dockyard Ports and marine facilities to aspire to.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my eleven years as Queen’s Harbour Master for the Clyde Dockyard Ports,” said David. “Working with a great team of professional people, we have developed the safety and operational effectiveness of the port to be fully compliant with national standards.
“Having joined my first submarine at Faslane in April 1983, to depart finally from the same berth 39 years later was a memorable way to leave.”
Taking on the role as QHM Clyde is Ian White. No stranger to the Dockyard Port, Ian has served as Deputy QHM for the last ten years.
Ian is also a long-time servant of HM Naval Base Clyde, first visiting in the early 1980s on a diesel submarine. Both have worked tirelessly on delivering a safe and secure port.
“I am very excited to have taken over this prestigious role and continuing the excellent work of David Lightfoot,” said Ian White.
“The Port and Naval Base is a vibrant, dynamic, place to work, full of different and rewarding challenges all delivered by professionals from a number of different work areas. All pull together in a safe and compliant environment.”
QHM Clyde and their organisation exists to ensure safe and orderly passage and activity for all vessels within the waters of the Clyde Dockyard Port of Gareloch and Loch Long.
