Bob Sclater was born, grew up and educated in Kirkwall Orkney. In 1956, at the age of 15, set off to sea, and spent seven years in the Merchant Navy as a deck hand sailing world-wide. He had obtained 2nd Mate, 1st Mate and master mariners foreign going certificates and sailed as an officer for a further 12 years. In 1976, Bob became a marine officer/pilot when the first North Sea Oil came ashore to the Flotta Oil Terminal in Orkney and served in this post for nine years. He got promoted to deputy and then director of harbours with Orkney Islands Council for another 12 years. In 1999, Bob became a local authority councillor for eight years and an honorary sheriff for the past 15 years. He lives in Kirkwall and is married with three grown up children – all working out with Orkney.
Embark on a riveting journey of ambition and valour that takes a young sailor from the humblest beginnings in the Merchant Navy to the apex of the marine world. This tale of ascent is punctuated by thrilling perils at sea: accidents, collisions, blazes, and even the perils of war.As the first North ...