Past Chairman, Don Cockrill receives MBE

June 6th, 2017 by JCB
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Our past Chairman Don Cockrill has been awarded the MBE for his tireless efforts to pilotage and our Association. His award was published in the Gazette on 30^th December 2016 proudly announcing that Captain Don Cockrill be awarded Membership of the ‘Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’, MBE, for voluntary services to Maritime Pilotage and Ports Industry. He received his investiture at Buckingham Palace on 7^th March 2017 from Her Majesty the Queen.

Under Don’s leadership the UKMPA has grown into a respected professional Association utilising the skills and experience of its members to proactively engage with UK port stakeholders, for the benefit of all the industry. Don has worked as a Pilot in London since 1991, since when he has been an active participant in the UKMPA, being elected to the executive committee in 2004 and serving as Chairman from 2010 to 2015. He now occupies the role of Secretary General.

Don continues to work assiduously for his profession. He recognised that the best way to promote pilotage was to demonstrate the added-value contribution that pilots as senior professionals can bring to the ports industry. Not satisfied with just participating in meetings he has actively sort opportunities for the UKMPA to contribute in other fields. The UKMPA conferences raise money for charities such as Mission to Seafarers and Save the Children. During the Ebola crisis, he alone recognised the risk of exposure that maritime pilots face, being the first person to board visiting vessels. He instigated a system to regularly inform pilots of the risk level of vessels arriving from West Africa. His contribution has been insightful, professional and constructive. Leading by example, he encouraged other UKMPA executive members to enthusiastically engage with other industry stakeholders. Industry regulators, ports associations, accident investigators and others now welcome the UKMPA’s constructive participation.

He has also inspired UK pilots’ involvement in international arenas. Don is a familiar and welcome participant in the UK delegation at the International Maritime Organisation. As a result of his dynamic leadership UK pilots are held in high regard abroad, with UK pilots now holding vice presidencies of both IMPA and EMPA.

Don is also a Member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, acting as mentor to young entrants into the merchant navy and is also on the technical committee. He has ensured that the UKMPA remains valid to its members and is now highly respected by the wider maritime community..  John Pearn

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The Merchant Navy Medal

The following UKMPA Members received the Merchant Navy Medal on 15^th November 2016, and this was awarded by The Princess Royal at a ceremony at Trinity House:

Captain Susan Harrison, Harbourmaster/Pilot,
Crouch Harbour Authority,

Captain Peter McArthur,
Pilot, Manchester Ship Canal.