Industry remembers Alan Tait OAM

INDUSTRY stalwart Alan Tait OAM has been remembered by his peers for a significant and valued contribution to the maritime sector over many years.

Captain Tait died peacefully on 9 May at the age of 86 after a period of illness. A funeral was held last week.

Growing up in the small town of Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley, he began his seafaring career as a deck cadet with Howard Smith and quickly progressed through the ranks and was promoted to master while still in his twenties.

His time at sea was followed by an extensive service in shore management with that company.

He later served as chair of the Australian Shipowners Industrial Association and a director of the Australian Shipowners Association (the forerunner to Maritime Industry Australia).

When he retired from corporate life Captain Tait continued to be heavily involved with the maritime sector as deputy and acting chair of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

His contribution to the industry was recognised by the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal and induction into the Shipping and Maritime Hall of Fame.

Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society, David Parmeter, said Alan Tait would be remembered for his “selfless dedication to the cause of seafarer welfare, an issue that was very important to him”.

“He was the long-serving chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society, an organisation he led with drive and dedication,” Mr Parmeter said.

“Alan's energy, concern and commitment were inspirational, and his loss will be keenly felt by everyone involved in seafarer welfare. Alan was also very involved with Sydney Cove Rotary and always enjoyed meeting a young person who had been helped to get ahead in life.”

A spokesperson for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said "Alan made a significant and valued contribution during his time on the board and will be remembered with respect and gratitude for his enduring commitment to seafarer welfare".

"A long-standing member of both the Australian Seafarers’ Welfare Council (ASWC) and the Australian Mariners Welfare Society (AMWS), he championed the people at the heart of the maritime industry and recognised their wellbeing is fundamental to a safe, sustainable, and inclusive maritime sector," the spokesperson said.

"He understood that behind every voyage are people whose safety, dignity and wellbeing matter deeply, and he championed that principle throughout his career.

"We extend our condolences to Alan’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him."