Editorial: winter 2010

March 15th, 2011 by JCB
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As you will note from the adjacent article the UKMPA has a new Chairman. Normally, the formal hand over takes place at the annual conference but this year, for a variety of logistical reasons the change was postponed until November’s Section Committee meeting.

As Don mentions in his report Joe, who you will recall had to take over the chairmanship at very short notice in 2006, has faced many challenges during the last four years but has met them all with the calm stoicism that has gained him great respect amongst both the officials and professionals with whom he has had to deal. Another considerable achievement has been  getting the considerable groundwork laid in readiness for the UKMPA hosting the 2012 IMPA Congress. All this has been achieved whilst continuing to pilot full time on the Tees.

It is often easy to forget that the Chairman and Section Committee, along with all the members who serve the sub committees are all full time working pilots who dedicate a considerable amount of their free time furthering the cause of pilots and pilotage, not just here in the UK, but also on the International fora for no financial reward. When you read this magazine you will see the wide areas of professional and legislative activities that have, over the years, served to make the pilotage    associations of the UKMPA, IMPA & EMPA rated amongst the most highly respected professional bodies in the maritime sphere.

So, as your annual subscription renewal drops onto the doormat in the limbo between Christmas and New Year, I trust that you will all take a moment to reflect the incredible value for money that your membership of this prestigious group represents and then to raise a glass to toast your representatives. And it may also do no harm to consider becoming more involved yourself!