Former coxswain retires, but not for good

LONG-standing employee Chris Bunby has retired from Shoreham Port after nearly 29 years working at the harbour.
Chris Bunby on the pilot boat at Shoreham PortChris Bunby on the pilot boat at Shoreham Port
Chris Bunby on the pilot boat at Shoreham Port

He saw several changes in his career during his working life, which began mainly with machine driving.

Mr Bunby would often meet the marine pilots during that time and he was offered a job as pilot cutter coxswain, a role which needed knowledge of the port and the ability to fix boats. He said although his career had changed to working on the pilot boat, he was often seen on a fishing boat, when time allowed.

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“I was made senior coxswain, which meant I took responsibility for the day-to-day running of the boats and made sure they passed their yearly surveys,” he added.

“I have been extremely fortunate to work with a great team of people.

“In recent years, due to health reasons, I had to stand down from my position as a coxswain but my career with the port changed again, with a great deal of help from the management team.

“I made a switch to the engineering department, which turned out health-wise to be a great move and I was able to go into retirement feeling well again.”

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Even now, Mr Bunby hopes to be able to work a couple of days a week, when required.

Tony Parker, director of engineering, explained: “Chris is the ideal candidate for the job of coxswain on our new workboat, Juno, so although we wish him a long and happy retirement, we hope to persuade him to come and help us out from time to time.”