30.01.2009

Geoff Steers a New Course

A sea captain who's worked on cargo ships, bulk carriers, container vessels and off-shore oil rigs is leading the Port of London Authority's diving and salvage operations.
 
Geoff Buckby has been appointed as the PLA's new Marine Services Manager, responsible for a fleet of vessels; driftwood collection; oil spill clearance; and maintaining moorings, navigation buoys and safe marks.

He heads a team of 64, made up of boat crews, divers, and shore staff, based at the PLA's facilities at Denton Wharf near Gravesend, Kent.

Geoff started his marine career in 1964 as a cadet on "HMS Worcester", a training college moored on the banks of the Thames at Greenhithe.

He went to sea in 1968 with Ben Line Steamers of Leith, first serving aboard general cargo vessels, then container ships.  In 1982, he transferred to the company's oil operations as master and installation manager aboard jack-up oil rigs and vast floating drilling platforms known as semi-submersibles.

Most of his oil career was spent in the inhospitable North Sea, but he also served in the Gulf of Suez for four years.

Geoff left the oil industry in 1997 to join the Port of London Authority as Assistant Marine Services Manager.

He said: "With 95 miles of tidal river or 400 square miles of water to cover, the Marine Services team is always very busy, and with the development of the London Gateway port facilities and the increase in shipping it will bring, life looks set to get even busier. These are very exciting times to be working for the tidal Thames."