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After six years serving the Bailiwick as Guernsey's Harbourmaster, Captain David Barker will depart our shores this summer as he calls time on his career which started here too.
He has previously recalled how moving to Alderney as a teenager inspired his love of the seas.
He went on to serve in the Royal Navy, before taking on the role of Harbourmaster and Head of Coastguard.
“It feels like I have come full circle, having first gained an interest in a maritime career here in the islands," he said. "Although I had no long-term plan to return to the Bailiwick, there is no doubt that the various stages of my career have been the perfect preparation for this role.
"During my time with Guernsey Ports, I have developed a deeper connection to the islands, and a great respect for islanders and Guernsey’s maritime community."
Pictured: Braye Harbour, where Captain Barker spent time as a teenager. (Alan Perks)
“I am grateful to have had a brilliant team around me throughout my time here. Everyone at Guernsey Ports is focused on the main aim - keeping Guernsey’s ports safe, secure and open for business.
“This is particularly evident when there is an emergency - the way in which the whole team steps up is always a source of pride to me.
“It is very similar to the culture within the Royal Navy, where mutual support and loyalty to your teammates is at the heart of everything. In particular, the strength of the team around me at Harbours gives me great confidence for the future.”
Captain Barker and his wife Sara will be relocating to North Yorkshire after his retirement in mid-August, in order to be closer to their two sons and their families.
Chief Operating Officer, Ross Coppolo said succession planning is underway, with Captain Barker’s replacement to be announced in due course once a competitive recruitment process has been concluded.
“David has been an outstanding Harbourmaster for Guernsey Ports over the last six years," he said.
"During his tenure, he has effectively restructured the harbours operational team, overseen and successfully delivered several key projects and put in place robust foundations for his successor to build upon. We wish David all the very best with his well-earned retirement.”
Captain Barker was born in Colne, Lancashire before moving with his family to Alderney at the age of 13, where he was educated at St Anne's School, and called the island home for 10 years.
His maritime career spanned both the Merchant and Royal Navies, included active duty in the Arabian Gulf, Kosovo and Sierra Leone, and Command of the frigates HMS St ALBANS and HMS SOMERSET.
Pictured: Guernsey's Harbourmaster is responsible for all aspects of life at St Peter Port, St Sampson's, and Alderney's Braye harbours.
Before joining Guernsey Ports in August 2018, he was Head of Defence Business Development at NATS, the UK's principal Air Traffic Control Service provider.
“I have had a varied and rewarding career, working in many extremely interesting and challenging environments. In each case, successful outcomes have come from teamwork, loyalty and strong leadership.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Harbourmaster but, after 47 years of full-time employment, it feels like the right time to retire, although I look forward to finding new opportunities to pass on the experience I have gained over a fascinating career.
“Most importantly, Sara and I look forward to being more closely involved with our family.
“I’m sure I will be kept busy initially with house renovations, but I’m also looking forward to travelling more spontaneously and we will certainly be back to visit the islands we have come to love.”
Captain Barker joined Guernsey Ports as Harbourmaster and Head of the Coastguard in August 2018. Five months later he was co-ordinating the response to an emergency situation which attracted global media attention.
The crash of a light aircraft near Alderney carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala shone a spotlight on the local emergency services and the response to the tragedy.
Pictured: Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson both died in a high profile tragedy with Captain Barker coordinating the search and rescue and search and recovery missions.
Captain Barker coordinated the initial search and rescue mission, and the subsequent search and recovery mission.
The footballer's body was recovered after a private search of the sea bed by marine scientist and oceanographer David Mearns. The body of pilot David Ibbotson has never been recovered.
Captain Barker has also overseen changes to St Peter Port Harbour, including the recent replacement of pontoons in the QEII marina, and changes in Alderney Harbour.
He had oversight of the response when World War II bombs were found in the harbour and Russell during his tenure.
Similarly to previous Harbourmasters, Captain Barker has repeatedly urged the States to make improvements to our vital infrastructure.
In March last year, after the States had twice rejected £360m plans for overhauling operations at St. Peter Port’s and St. Sampson’s harbours in this political term, Captain Barker warned that current harbour facilities in town would “fall into the sea” unless major maintenance and replacement work was undertaken.
Emiliano Sala reported missing after light aircraft disappeared
WATCH: Sala family take flight around Alderney waters
New Harbourmaster: David Barker
FOCUS: Are the ports in a bit of a pickle?
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