Mr David Sawkins, Interim Director Marine Services
David was appointed Head of Marines Services (Support) on the 1st April 2009 having previously been the Ferry Services Manager for Orkney Ferries since 2005.
David, who holds a BSc(hons) degree in engineering and management studies, was previously the Divisional Manager in engineering services, marine operations with Shetland Islands Council prior to joining Orkney Ferries.
In April 2011 David was appointed Interim Director of Marine Services and is responsible to the Chief Executive Orkney Islands Council, for the day to day marine operations and marine support functions
Mr John Orr, Head of Marine Services (Port Development)
With over 40 years experience in all areas of civil engineering design, construction and management, John was appointed Head of Marine Services (Port Development) on the 3rd March 2010. Previously Head of Environmental and Engineering Services at Orkney Islands Council, John who holds a BSc. in civil engineering has worked in the UK and overseas with consultants, contractors and in the Public Sector. John is heavily involved in the piers and harbours upgrades and new developments planned to serve the emerging renewables industry and other service areas.
Mr Brian Pottinger, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Berthing Manager
Previously Brian worked for Orkney Ferries Ltd for 8 years sailing as Chief Officer for 4 years before joining the Orkney Harbours Team in 2000 as a Marine Officer.
In 2004, he was promoted to Assistant Oil Pollution / Safety / Marine Officer and following a restructure in 2005 became the VTS Manager prior to taking up his current position.
Brian's portfolio oversees the provision and development of the port VTS and the co-ordination of services for vessel arrivals and departures. He is also the line manager for all pier staff and is responsible for Port Security where he is the designated Port Facility Security Officer.
Brian holds a Diploma in Port Management with accreditation in managing cargo operations in port.
Captain Abul Alam, Head of Operations (Ferry and Towage)
Captain Alam is a Master Mariner (FGN) with twenty five years of experience over various capacities on board Ro-Ros, Bulk Carriers, VLCCs, and General Cargo and Multi-purpose vessels.
He started his sea career following 2 years pre-sea Cadet training from Bangladesh Marine Academy. He also studied for his professional degrees in Cork Ireland, Fleetwood and South Tyneside College. He served in several shipping companies with the last one being for 14 years with Barber Ship Management. Prior to moving ashore, he sailed as Master nearly 5 years on board Car Carriers / Ro-Ro vessels owned by NYK and K-Line.
Having worked as a Nautical Lecturer in NAFC Marine centre, Shetland for a year he then took up the position of Deputy Marine Superintendent with Orkney Ferries in 2006. After the launch of the Local Authority's Marine Services division in 2009, he was appointed as Marine Superintendent. In April 2011, Captain Alam was selected as Head of Operations to oversee the operations of RORO passenger ferries and tugs of Orkney Ferries and Orkney Towage Ltd
Captain Iain MacIver, Marine Superintendent
Captain MacIver has significant past experience in the operation of Ro-Ro and passenger ferry services as a STCW ll/2 Master both in management ashore and management at sea. He was recently employed with Pentland Ferries as Designated Person Ashore & Company Security Officer and prior to that he worked for Orkney Ferries for 15 years sailing as Mate and Master.
His responsibilities with Orkney Marine Services will include safety, manning and line management responsibilities for sea staff, auditing vessels and maintaining the Company Safety Management System.
Captain Alistair Wylie, Marine Superintendent
Alistair came ashore in 2010 from Ferry Services to assist as a Superintendent for the Tugs, Pilot Boats, Ferries and Launches that make up the Orkney Islands Council Marine Services Fleet.
He has spent 35 years at sea, 32 of which he has served with Orkney Ferries; and of these 22 years he has served as Master.
Mr Kevin Bain, Port Marine Safety / Counter Pollution Manager
Kevin joined the Department of Harbours in 2006 as a Marine Officer, having spent 12 years as a Navigating Officer in the Merchant Navy.
In 2007 he was promoted to the position of Port Safety/Counter Pollution Manager with the responsibilities of ensuring the readiness of the Division to respond to pollution incidents and also to maintain the Divisions Safety Management System and related documentation.
Additionally Kevin is the Health and Safety Manager for Marine Services.
Miss Hazel Stephen, Office Manager
Hazel has been with the Department of Harbours since 1976 and is one of the Councils longest serving employees having served under 5 Directors of Harbours. After spending 8 years as a clerical assistant and 2 years as secretary, she was promoted to Administration Support.
Hazel is responsible for personnel matters, sales and purchase ledgers, budget control, and the day to day administration duties of the Marine Services Division.
Mr Michael Morrison, Business Development Manager
Michael is the first Business Development Manager to be appointed to the Marine Services Division. He joined the Service in January of 2009 having previously been the General Manager for Loganair at Kirkwall Airport.
An Orcadian by birth, Michael spent 13 years in the British Army and then worked residential property in England and Scotland before spending 11 years in the Far East in Business Development and Project Management.
Michael is responsible to the Director of Harbours for revenue generation and market awareness for all facets of the Ports Estates, Inter Island Ferry and Towage Services.