TRIBUTES have flowed in for the late Captain Bruce Dann who passed away on 21 November after long term illness.
Captain Dann was honoured by Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia as “highly respected and liked by his ship mates and colleagues ashore”.
The organisation’s chairman, Ross Brewer, said Bruce was sadly missed by all his friends in the energy sector of the maritime industry.
“No doubt that Bruce will now be navigating the big ship in the sky,” he said.
In a recent statement posted on LinkedIn, Mr Brewer said many in the maritime industry were lucky to be taught by one of its best.
“Bruce was a wonderful mentor for young cadets doing their initial sea time, and many owe him in the early stages of their training,” he said.
“Several of the AOS/Farstad company’s clients insisted on his presence on the vessels engaged with their projects.
“[Bruce was recognised] not only for his competency, but also his good humour and people management, whether at sea or as a shore-based manager in Western Australia.”
Bruce began his career at BHP and then progressed to the energy sector offshore, where he was a Master with both AOS and Farstad.
He was in high demand on specialist construction vessels and pioneered DP skills and training in Australasia.
“Bruce was a great ambassador for all those he worked for,” Mr Brewer wrote.
NES Fircroft project field safety advisor Glenn Shepley also shared fond memories with the late captain.
“It was a pleasure sailing with Bruce, and we were always in good hands with him at the helm,” he said.
Part of Captain Dann’s legacy is his Master mariner’s son, Tommy, who followed his career with a passion.
“[He was] a great family man who could always (almost) find a way to be on leave in his boat for the Sydney harbour new year fireworks display,” Mr Brewer wrote.
“When Bruce retired, he and Annie ran up thousands of kilometres around Australia with their legendary caravan.
“Bruce was a fantastic presence with Annie at our last two Anchor Clanker evenings in Fremantle, regardless of his failing health.
“His good humour during these evenings was enjoyed by us all.”