Duncan Gebbie
Fourth Officer Engineer, LNG British Trader
Duncan is still active in the
Sea Cadets when on leave
I joined Rosyth Sea Cadets in 1994 at the age of 12. The unit had a varied range of skills training, but it’s fair to say most of it was geared to recruitment for the Royal Navy.
I managed to gain many qualifications and skills in different areas including sailing, power boating, pulling. These activities were based in the summer, but during the winter season other activities were offered such as seamanship, communications, electrical and engineering. It was the latter that I found held most appeal for me.
The engineering side of my Sea Cadet unit was run by the commanding officer, Lt Colin Butcher: he was an inspiration. Having all these things available nurtured my interest in engineering as a career, and marine engineering in particular.
I was set on joining the RN and I did apply to go in as an artificer. But one of my friends in the Sea Cadets had just started his Cadetship with BP and suggested that I consider looking into that before I made any final decision about the RN.
So I went to a Merchant Navy careers fair and had a look at a few different companies. Right away I noticed that the leave, the trip lengths – and the money – was much better in the Merchant Navy.
Duncan at work onboard
BP Shipping's LNG British Trader
My mind made up, I applied to four different shipping companies. I chose BP as it offered the best training package.
Now seven years down the line I’m still happily with BP, and sailing as 4th engineer. Things have changed a lot in that time: we now do three month trips and get two months off at home: it suits me fine.
The ships have been equipped with V-sat so we can access the internet and make phone calls home which is really good when the ship is on long voyages to keep in touch with friends and family.
The safety standards on the ship are high and the company constantly works to improve them so consequently everyone feels safe and comfortable when working onboard.
I’d really recommend this job – and this company - to people who want to get ahead in life and who are up for different challenges. It’s ideal for those who like to get out and see the world – and get paid for it!
And if it had not been for being in the Sea Cadet Corps none of this would ever have happened. Thanks SCC!
Duncan Gebbie, 4/0/E
LNG British Trader
1 December 2008
Duncan's former mentor Lt Colin Butcher, who still commands
Queensferry Sea Cadets, added:
" Duncan is still an active member of our Unit and when he's on leave teaches engineering to the next generation of seafarers. We're proud of his achievement: he's an excellent role model."