New Marine Officer joins CHC

Cowes Harbour Commission are pleased to have filled the new post of Marine Officer and welcome recently qualified Merchant Navy deck officer Laurence O’Callaghan to the CHC team.

Laurence has previously worked for CHC during his cadetship and graduate training as a seasonal staff member at Shepards Wharf. In his new role, Laurence will provide assistance to the Deputy Harbour Master Rod Hodgson on the delivery of CHC’s statutory and safety duties in the harbour.

“I am very passionate about Cowes Harbour, and have been since I moved here in 2003,” said Laurence. “I’m also a member of the Cowes RNLI lifeboat, having done the training in Poole in May to become a fully trained crew member.”

The appointment of the new Marine Officer has allowed Barney Sollars, the Marine Services Manager, to take responsibility for the development of Kingston Wharf and its marine service operations now that CHC has full ownership of the site. Barney Sollars will therefore be predominately based at Kingston from now on.

The Deputy Harbour Master, Rod Hodgson, will maintain his responsibilities as port safety and security officer, but will now also take responsibility for the harbour patrol team, CHC moorings and Shepards Wharf. Some “day to day” duties that fall within the Deputy Harbour Master’s remit will be delegated to the new Marine Officer, Laurence O’Callaghan.