A former Alderney resident and retired Royal Navy Officer David Barker has been appointed as Guernsey's new Harbourmaster, following a competitive recruitment process.
David was born in Colne, Lancashire but moved with his family to Alderney at the age of 13 and was educated on the Island at St Anne's School. He is currently the Head of Defence Business Development at NATS, the UK's principal Air Traffic Control Service provider and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
David began his working life with BP Shipping and moved on to a successful career in the Royal Navy. He has served in a variety of naval ships, from Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers through frigates and destroyers to the carrier HMS INVINCIBLE. He has seen active duty in the Arabian Gulf, Kosovo and Sierra Leone and served as commanding officer of HMS ST ALBANS and HMS SOMERSET. More recently, in 2011, he was attached to the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, playing a key role in countering piracy and maritime terrorism.
David Barker is married to Sara, a former Physiotherapist, and he has 2 adult sons. When not on duty, his interests include running, choral singing, watching rugby, and sailing. He's also a Chartered Manager, a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, and a member of the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association.
Mr Barker will take up his new role on 1st August 2018.
On hearing of his appointment, he said:
"I am absolutely thrilled to become Guernsey's Harbourmaster. My time in Alderney gave me a deep affection for these Islands and a healthy respect for the waters around them. This is also an exciting time to be joining the Guernsey Ports team, and I look forward to my role in taking the harbours forward."