New harbour master lands his dream job
GUERNSEY’S new harbour master will be doing his ‘dream job’ when he takes on the role later this year.
Former Alderney resident – and retired Royal Navy officer – David Barker said he was looking forward to his new role.
‘I am absolutely thrilled to become Guernsey’s harbour master,’ he said,
‘My time in Alderney gave me a deep affection for these islands and a healthy respect for the waters around them.
‘This is also an exciting time to be joining the Guernsey Ports team and I look forward to my role in taking the harbours forward.’
Born in Colne, Lancashire, Mr Barker moved to Alderney with his family at the age of 13 and was educated at St Anne’s School.
He first job at sea was with BP Shipping, before having a successful 29-year career in the Royal Navy.
He served on a variety of naval ships, from Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers through frigates and destroyers to the carrier HMS Invincible.
In 2011, he was attached to the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, playing a key role in countering piracy and maritime terrorism.
He is currently the head of defence business development at Nats, the UK’s principal air traffic control service provider.
Believing he had one more big challenge left in him, seeing the opportunity in Guernsey he knew he had to apply.
‘Having spent most of my life at sea and having lived in Alderney, when I saw the role become available it seemed like my dream job,’ he said.
‘I’m sure it will be challenging but great fun.’
Currently looking at properties with his wife, Sara, Mr Barker said he wants to assess the situation at the harbours before thinking about their development.
‘From what I’ve been told of the situation everything is set up very well, so I won’t be talking about change until I’ve seen what it’s like.
‘My first job is to get a feel for the territory, the waters and get to know all of my team and the people of Guernsey.
‘Although I know from the experiences of my previous jobs that change is inevitable and sometimes necessary.
‘The real challenge is making sure the harbours still continue to flow in and out safely, any changes to be made will have this in mind.’
Mr Barker will take up his new role on 1 August.
