A career devoted to maritime and ship safety has been honoured with the Merchant Navy Medal

A career devoted to maritime and ship safety has been honoured with the Merchant Navy Medal for the man who supports and guides surveyors in ship inspections for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Pat Dolby, from Havant, has worked with the Merchant Navy for over 45 years. In his current role, he represents the UK on all aspects of international ship inspection policy, particularly Port State Control inspections, as well as supporting marine surveyors in their day-to-day professional work. His interventions have prevented ships from going to sea in an unsafe or unhealthy condition, and he cares deeply about the welfare of seafarers, especially those who suffer because of sub-standard conditions on board their vessels. On occasions Pat has intervened when seafarers have been left stranded or abandoned, working with industry and the International Transport Workers’ Federation to get them home again and make sure they receive any unpaid wages. Pat began work with the MCA in 1990, spending time as an engineer and ship surveyor in the Southampton Marine Office, before moving on to specialise in Port State Control. In 2004, he was promoted to Head of the MCA’s Inspection Branch. Sir Alan Massey, CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: ‘We are all very proud of Pat as he receives this richly deserved award. The MCA is committed to the safety of life at sea, and Pat is a wonderful example of the hard work and passion of all our staff and volunteers in making this happen. I am delighted that Pat’s selfless dedication has been honoured with the Merchant Navy Medal.’

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