Having gone to sea as a deck apprentice with the BP Tanker Company in 1960 and gained a Masters Certificate in 1969, Alan joined Chevron Shipping as a Chief Officer in 1970 and three years later, took command of a VLCC. Having commanded VLCC’s for three years, he was assigned to Saudi Arabia for three years as the Company’s Marine
Representative. In 1978, he transferred to the North Sea as an Offshore Installation Manager in the then new Ninian Oil Field. Over the following 16 years, Alan took on increasing responsibilities for Company operations in the North Sea.
 Having taken early retirement in 1997, he has now been involved with the Association for ten years and is extremely serious in his efforts to safeguard and improve the interests of retirees. From 1989 to date, Alan has also been involved as a Director, Company Chairman and Consultant, with Oil Spill Response Limited - an oil industry cooperative company dedicated to maintaining the environment on behalf of the industry. He also works on a volunteer basis for the Energy Institute, promoting careers in the industry with schools, colleges and universities. Married to Nan for 43 years, with two married sons, one of his main leisure pursuits is as the Chairman and also a working volunteer on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway in mid Wales, helping to run preserved steam trains for the enjoyment of all.