Havant man earns top award for helping protect lives of sailors

HE HAS devoted his career to protecting sailors at sea and enforcing maritime law.
Pat Dolby

 Picture: Maritime & Coastguard AgencyPat Dolby

 Picture: Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Pat Dolby Picture: Maritime & Coastguard Agency

And now Pat Dolby, head of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) inspection team, has received a top accolade for his efforts.

The 65-year-old, of Havant, has been honoured with the Merchant Navy Medal.

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Pat has worked with the Merchant Navy for more than 45 years.

In his current role he represents Britain on all aspects of international ship inspection policy, as well as supporting marine surveyors in their day-to-day work.

His interventions have stopped ships going to sea in a dangerous condition.

He also has a passion for supporting seafarers forced to live in atrocious conditions on board their vessel.

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Speaking of the award, he said: ‘It’s fantastic. I’m absolutely delighted to have received this.’

During his career, he has helped to save sailors who have been left stranded or abandoned working with the International Transport Workers’ Federation to get them home again and make sure they receive any unpaid wages.

He has also stopped ships where crews have been forced to sail without a decent food supply.

‘It’s unbelievable the condition some seafarers are forced to endure,’ said Pat. ‘It’s tragic to see it in this day and age.’

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Sir Alan Massey, chief executive of the MCA, was delighted by Pat’s award success. He said: ‘We are all very proud of Pat as he receives this richly deserved award.

‘The MCA is committed to the safety of life at sea, and Pat is a wonderful example of the hard work and passion of all our staff and volunteers in making this happen.’

Pat began work with the MCA in 1990, spending time as an engineer and ship surveyor in the Southampton Marine Office, before moving on to specialise in port state control. In 2004, he was promoted to head of the MCA’s inspection branch.