Frank Berry OBE, FNI

 

Frank Berry, passed away peacefully on the 24th July 2012 after a unique and fulfilled life. More than 150 of his friends and colleagues packed the large chapel at Chanterlands Avenue Crematorium, Hull.

After serving six years apprenticeship throughout the Second World War, Frank became a licensed Humber Pilot in 1949.

As a member of the U.K.P.A. Executive Committee in the 1960’s, Frank, with his friend Dan Tate, a River Tees Pilot, was the driving force to establish the P.N.P.F. in 1970. Later as the Chairman and Vice President of the U.K.P.A., Frank worked tirelessly for A.C.O.P. (Advice Committee of Pilotage) and S.C.O.P. (Steering Committee of Pilotage) to provide the high standards of the pilotage profession.

Promoted to Commodore of the Humber, Goole and Trent Pilots, Frank faced his biggest challenge, modernising the outdated system of cruising steam pilot cutters and to establish a shore based pilot station at Spurn Point and to introduce high speed fibre glass launches and to set up a radar controlled tower control to replace the bridge of the floating pilot cutter. The control tower was manned 24 hours a day by two duty pilots available to direct shipping  to safely embark and disembark their pilots. The accommodation and victualling for six pilots on immediate standby was known as the “Spurn Hilton”.

Frank retired in September 1988 and left a buoyant and efficient pilot service ran entirely by self employed pilots. He never really came to terms with the new concept of the C.H.A. being the Pilotage Authority but kept a keen interest in pilotage affairs. He was always available for advice until ill health intervened and he became unaware of the serious consequences that the 1988 Pilotage Act had on his beloved pilot service.

Frank is survived by his wife, Edna, two sons, Julian and Adrian and a daughter, Victoria. A true friend to pilots, sadly missed.

Clive Wilkin 10 August 2012.

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