Eric trained as engine fitter whilst in Royal Engineers and worked on boat engines in Malaya, Singapore, Bahamas and in the UK as well as operating 5m to 20m boats, all offshore or on tidal rivers. Further time as Senior Boat Fitter with a canal hire boat company gave experience of inland waterways. Having also owned a small fishing boat on the Dee Estuary, North Wales,  Eric is a MCA/Seafish qualified Skipper and owns a small motor boat.
Other qualifications include;

BSAC Dive Coxswain, RYA /MCA Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore (shorebased), Powerboat Level 2 and ICC for up to 24metre powerboats (Tidal Endorsement), RYA / MCA Yachtmaster Ocean (shorebased)

RYA First Aid Certificate,  RYA Radar Cert.

Eric is the NorthWest Regional Officer with the Maritime Volunteer Service.

MCA / Seafish Qualifications

Skipper (vessels <16.5m, greater than 20NM from safe haven)

Bridge Watchkeeping

Engineering Watchkeeping

First Aid

Stability Awareness

Personal Sea Survival STCW 95

Fire Fighting

RYA Qualifications

RYA Diesel Engine Instructor

RYA Short Range Certificate Assessor

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Instructor