Role: Senior Master
Company: Stena Superfast VII, Stena Line
Track Record: An ability to stay calm and make steadfast decisions are crucial to Alistair McCarlie’s role at sea as senior master with Stena Line.
HOW I BECAME A SENIOR MASTER
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at sea, which is fast approaching 28 years this August, from starting my Cadetship at 17 years old, first Command at 31 years old and Senior Master at 45 years. I have found life at sea very rewarding with lots of great experiences and an opportunity to visit many countries around the world. The time away from family comes with the job, but it also offers quality time at home completely away from the job, emails and phones which in today’s busy world is unique.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art and Technology & Design when I studied at Larne Grammar School from 1983 – 1989.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
All my further education was at Glasgow College of Nautical Science, which today has been rebranded as City of Glasgow College. I studied there for my initial certification as OOW (Officer of the Watch – Certificate of Competency – CoC) from 1989 – 1992. I returned to Glasgow for further progressive CoC examinations during 1994/95 and finally back in 1998 to complete my Masters Unlimited Certificate of Competency examinations, aged 26 which I am very proud of.
How did you get into your area of work?
In August 1989, prior to leaving school, I applied to Clyde Marine Training in Glasgow who were interviewing on behalf of various well established British shipping companies for Deck Cadet positions in the merchant navy. The training involved periods of college phases and time at sea to put into practice all the principals learned. Trips were on average five months away with the same at college, as part of a sandwich training course. My family has always been associated with the sea, so it felt right that I would follow in their direction. My Cadetship was with Bibby Line Ltd.
Most of my trips were deep sea voyages until 1999 when I started working on liquefied gas carriers worldwide, as well as a few trips on RoRo’s in the Baltic Sea. I started with Stena Line towards the later part of 1999, not long after getting married.
The week-on week-off pattern at that time was more suited to family life and as the job was closer to home it was appealing.
Presently my roster pattern offers two weeks on/off and with four weeks leave in the year, so over the year I work away from home for five months with seven months at home.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I grew up beside the sea on the shore near to Larne Harbour plus my family have had long established connections with the sea, it was inevitable I would follow this route as well.
Leaving home at 17 on a new path was/can be very daunting but I knew straight away I was heading in the right direction.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
As Master, Stena Line’s requirements are to hold a Masters Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) plus considerable ship handling experience on specific type of vessels – RoPax. I also hold a Pilotage Exemption within Belfast Harbour which permits me to transit in/out of Belfast without local pilotage.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
No, to be appointed as Master comes with time served within the company plus suitability to the role following interviews. I would say now that the opportunities for promotion and progression at sea are very good if you are prepared to work hard and apply yourself. Ship handling skill is paramount for manoeuvring the Superfast vessels on the North Channel route which are the biggest vessels to cross between the mainland and Northern Ireland.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
As Senior Master I would say, maintaining a level of calmness, especially in periods of adverse weather, offer support and guidance to my colleagues and always be open to suggestions. I am a firm believer in teamwork and this is key for good Bridge Team Management as well as maintaining good morale on board.
What does a typical day entail?
I would awaken around 5.45am and be on the Bridge for 6.15am to take over from the Night Master when alongside in Loch Ryan Port (LRP). We would discuss the weather for the day ahead as well as any operational issues with the vessel. My first sailing would be 7.30am exiting LRP with arrival into Belfast at 9.45am, with clear sea passage of around 70 minutes which allows me to leave the Bridge for the Officer of the Watch to maintain the watch.
I am always on call during my duty period by telephone or radio should I be needed on the Bridge. I would spend my duty time when off the Bridge doing administration, answering e-mails, ship inspections and holding management meetings. I would normally try to clear the desk in my office by 8.30pm and have some down time, relax and call home or watch some TV, then it’s lights out by 10.30pm ready for another day on Stena Superfast VII.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I really enjoy working with my colleagues on board Superfast VII, we have a great team ethic, work hard and throw in a few jokes to keep everyone’s spirits up. The challenges can be varied but you have to be very firm in your decision making and stand by them. Periods of adverse weather always offer challenges when manoeuvring such big vessels within the confines of both ports.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
I would strongly recommend a career at sea, for anyone at the age of 17 who doesn’t see a path towards university and all the financial challenges that it can bring and there is no guarantee of a job once you complete your degree. Life at sea, either as a Deck Officer or Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy, opens many doors within the diverse Marine Sector, whether afloat or ashore.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
Possibly architecture or anything that had a practical element to work.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Maintain an air of calm where possible and take time when carrying out all tasks and ultimately do my job to the best of my ability and safely.
Describe your ideal day off.
I enjoy time with my family, around my house, in the garden and tackling some DIY projects.