Email port@pocf.co.uk | Call 01349 852308
Port of Cromarty Firth
  • About Us
  • Marine Info
  • Port Services
  • Community
    • Port Environment
    • Water Safety
  • News & Media
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • HRO
  • Charges
  • Phase 5
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Coxswain calls it a day after more than 30 years on the busy waters of the Cromarty Firth

A well-know figure to mariners visiting the Highlands’ busiest port has called it a day as Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) pilot vessel coxswain after a career of more than three decades with the organisation.

Pilot Boarding

Remarkably, John Williamson clocked up 32 years’ service without taking a day off, other than annual leave, after starting work at the trust port at the age of 28.


Mr Williamson, who joined the Merchant Navy as a 16-year-old, worked on oil tankers around the world before joining the Port staff.

As coxswain, he was responsible for operating and maintaining the Port’s pilot boats and was a key member of the team that provides marine support to the ships and rigs that visit the Cromarty Firth.

Mr Williamson said: “I saw an advertisement in a local newspaper for a job at the Port, but actually missed the interview because I was at sea at the time.

“But, I managed to get another chance when I returned home, got the job and have never looked back since.

“I’ve been lucky to work with a great team in Invergordon over the past three decades and it’s a fantastic area to live in.  One of the great pleasures has been being able to pass on what I’ve learned to new members of staff and, in turn to learn from them.”

PoCF Marine Operations Manager, Graham Grant, said:  “I’ve known John for the 32 years we’ve worked together here and, in that time, we have experienced much – the good, the bad and the indifferent.

“Over all that time, John has been a pleasure to work with, as a colleague and a friend, and all of us at the Port wish him all the very best for his well-deserved retirement.”

Share our news post
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail

Subscribe for news & events

Port of Cromarty Careers

Useful Links

Careers
About the Port
Contact us
Marine Information
Port Services
Community

meteoblue

Contact Us

Port of Cromarty Firth
Port Office, Shore Road
Invergordon,
IV18 0HD

Tel: 01349 852308
Email: port@pocf.co.uk

Cromarty Weather

Useful Pages

Supply Chain
About Us
Marine Info
Press Enquiries

COVID Info & Guidelines

Useful Documents

Annual Reviews
Cruise Timetable
Regulations & Governance

Schedule of Charges 2025

Privacy Notice

A Strategic National Asset

Connect with us

© Copyright Port of Cromarty Firth | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Port of Cromarty Firth ready to welcome a record number of cruise shipsYou’ve gotta roll with it… Port’s new pilot vessel put through its paces...
Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • ←
  • Port at a glance