⭐ For this week’s #SercoStories we spoke to Neil Deane - 'Deano' - to find out what life is like as Deputy Marine Superintendent at Devonport for Serco UK Maritime Services. ⭐ 🚢 After 17 years at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Deano joined Serco in 2017 to work in maritime services, working in a number of roles, including Fuel Supervisor and Boatmaster before becoming Deputy Marine Superintendent in January 2021. In March 2020, Deano also worked as part of the management team in a Serco-run Covid-19 testing centre which he describes as a ‘huge challenge.’ 💬 “There’s no such thing as a typical day at Devonport as no two days are the same. My job is about 40% office based so the majority of the time I’m out and about going to the 37 vessels and barges we manage and doing inspections, checking SOLAS equipment and life-saving appliances, medical kits, plus things like the ropes, rigging and shackles, as well as carrying out planned maintenance tasks on equipment. 💬 “I generally start at 6.30am, going through my emails and then proceeding to work through advance bookings on my calendar and daily tasks. 💬 “These bookings can include rescue boat services, pyrotechnic exchanges, and vessel compass swings. But if a major incident happens, like a sinking vessel or an oil pollution spill then we have to drop everything. There are three on scene commanders, including me, and between us we’re on call 24/7, with each person doing one week on, two weeks off throughout the year. 💬 “In 2023 we had 35 oil pollution incidents to deal with. These can vary in time from one hour, to days, or running into weeks, or it can be an ongoing incident where you have to come back on consecutive days. 💬 “If an oil spill incident occurs, as on scene commander, my number one priority will always be containment, to prevent the incident escalating which would result in a much higher impact on the environment. 💬 “To ensure the high readiness of the response team, I hold several training workshops throughout the year to maintain a level of understanding and proficiency of all the equipment and retain the high standards and quick response times we have demonstrated on numerous occasions. 💬 “Tabletop and practical exercises are also a requirement, with at least one Tier 2 oil response exercise per year. 💬 “My job has many different layers, and the level of responsibility varies. I have always liked a challenge and I certainly get that from my role. I love how no two days are the same, I like working at hi-tempo, and within the marine industry, things happen without notice and I need to react quickly if it involves me which is very similar to my previous career at sea working for the government. I like being able to draw from the years of experience I have working at sea to help others, and I equally enjoy working alongside my colleagues here at HMNB Devonport to form part of the hard-working team we have.” #SercoUK #Maritime #ImpactABetterFuture #MarineServices
It's been lovely to interview Deano and get to know him and find out more about his role and Devonport.
Certainly a busy role, well done Deano! Your standards are rightfully high👏
Geddon Deano A great read, and a massive asset for Serco 👏
Harbour Master & Marine Pilot (Portsmouth)
1moWell done Deano! Remember sailing with you many years ago, good to see you’re flying high!