The Dockyard Port of Clyde has a new Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM Clyde).
David Lightfoot, who has held the QHM Clyde post for the past 11 years, retired on Friday, formally handing over to Ian White.
Colleagues and well-wishers from Faslane gathered at the waterside to wave-off David as he took to the Gareloch in P2000 patrol boat, HMS Tracker, for the final time.
Although a former Royal Navy submariner, David was the first civilian Queen’s Harbour Master, taking up the post in 2011 after retiring from the navy and just as new regulations for ports came into effect.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 11 years as Queen’s Harbour Master for the Clyde Dockyard Ports,” said David.
“Working with a great team of professional people, we have developed the safety and operational effectiveness of the port to be fully compliant with national standards.
“Having joined my first submarine at Faslane in April 1983, to depart finally from the same berth 39 years later was a memorable way to leave.”
Taking on the role as QHM Clyde is Ian White, who has served as Deputy QHM for the last ten years – he first visited HM Naval Base Clyde in the early 1980s on a diesel submarine.
“I am very excited to have taken over this prestigious role and continuing the excellent work of David Lightfoot,” said Ian White.
“The port and naval base is a vibrant, dynamic, place to work, full of different and rewarding challenges all delivered by professionals from a number of different work areas. All pull together in a safe and compliant environment.”
QHM Clyde works to ensure safe and orderly passage and activity for all vessels within the waters of the Clyde Dockyard Port of Gareloch and Loch Long.
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