CAPTAIN'S BLOG 3rd EDITION

SALUT:

GEORGEMUNRO

PHOTO CREDIT: HORANE GARDENER

PILOT GEORGE MUNRO

February 3rd, 1928 - April 14th, 2024

TRIBUTE TO PILOT GEORGE MUNRO

PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd. pays tribute to our CoFounder, Pilot George Munro Pilot Munro, as a visionary, along with a group of like-minded Jamaican Marine Pilots started the parent Company, BOAT SERVICES in 1988 and then the tugboat Company, PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd in 1992, a solely Jamaican owned Maritime Company

As the Co-Founder, his passion for the operations saw him, brilliantly and masterfully take charge to become the head of the Company’s Maintenance division

His approach to these duties was sound, hands-on, relentless, selfless and focused Pilot Munro’s attention to detail, his knowledge, promptness and excellent time management skills are renowned. After his retirement from Marine Piloting, he continued to work with the Company until 2012 and even then could be counted on to give sound, strategic advice and to monitor the tugboats, primarily his beloved GEORGE MUNRO, a tugboat named in his honour

WE SALUTE PILOT GEORGE MUNRO, A MARITIME GIANT AND A PORTSIDE TOWING STALWART.

COMMANDING Honour

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do So throw off the bowlines Sail away from the safe harbour Catch the trade winds in your sails Explore! Dream! Discover!” – Mark Twain

SALUTE

After masterfully taking the George Munro from Port Esquivel to Port Antonio and a month of extensive renovation, CAPTAIN KAREEM ROBINSON brings her to rest in the water With the horns blaring he pays respect with a final SALUTE to Pilot George Munro as his urn is placed in the Caribbean Sea

REMEMBERING A LEGEND

SALUTE PILOT George MUNRO

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the Universe conspired to create the most beautiful Portland Day, when we could celebrate the life of one of our Founding Fathers, Pilot George Munro This was the culmination of an almost month-long renovation of the tugboat named in his honour

THEPRODUCTOFABOLDDREAM

CREW THE GeorgeMunro

Left to right: Capt. Kareem Robinson, Jermaine Muschette, Andrian Thompson , Lenval Mathews, Shawn Steadford, Michael Burton, Abdul Brown, Captain Ricardo Roach

The Audacious Hope that Success Brings

Being the Managing Director, Operations of this Great Company, PORTSIDE TOWING LTD. is a massive responsibility along a wonderfully sentimental journey It is never lost on me that I have been given the undaunting task of managing a VISION... A BOLD, UNSHAKEABLE VISION. One that is drenched in the very essence of everything that is right about JAMAICA. I have guarded this VISION and energized it with a generous serving of Audacious Hope which slowly continues to bear fruit. I am mindful that I lead a team of skilled, ambitious professionals who believe in the VISION and provide the fuel to make it manifest For this I thank each and everyone of you for your service, your hard-work , your dedication and your commitment to the VISION

The maintenance of the tugboats is currently the primary focus and we are happy to have the expertise of our Managing Director, Maintenance and Tug Optimization, Pilot Derrick Brandt, who has become the driver of the Maintenance turn-around. This turn-around has created the optimization of the tugboat sea-going hours. I continue to mold the PORTSIDE VISION and my desk will be occupied with my documented thoughts as I craft the Strategic Plan for the last two quarters of 2024.

Permit me to address a few key points to ensure that we are fully aligned on this Mission:

Operational Efficiency:

Efficiency is paramount in our line of work. Let us continue to focus on optimizing our operations, minimizing downtime, and maximizing productivity If you have any ideas or suggestions for improving efficiency, please don't hesitate to share them with your supervisors or the Core Management Team.

Customer Satisfaction:

Our customers, the Marine Pilots, the Ship Captains and Crew, the Shipping Agents and the Shipping Companies all rely on us to deliver reliable and efficient tugboat services. Let us strive to exceed their expectations in terms of quality, timeliness, and responsiveness. Remember, satisfied customers are the key to our continued success and growth as a Company

Teamwork and Collaboration:

Success is a team effort Let us continue to work together collaboratively, supporting and assisting each other whenever needed. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for achieving our common goals and objectives

Professional Development:

PORTSIDE TOWING LTD aims to be fully compliant with all certification requirements by 31st December 2024. We hope that you will ensure that your professional certifications are up to date with the duties that you are tasked to do Let’s achieve this together. come in and talk to us.

Open Door Policy:

My door is always open to you however you must use the chain of command to ensure that your Superiors are given the chance to solve issues and create solutions If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to any member of the Core Management Team at any time Your feedback is invaluable

Together...

I am confident that we will continue to be fueled by our Audacious Hope and overcome any challenges that come our way and continue to achieve great things as a team.

THE MAINTENANCE STORY

A Chat with MD Pilot Derrick Brandt

Thishasbeensomewhatof acominghome... backtomyroots.IntheearlydaysofPortside TowingLtd.,whentherewasjustTugboats LAWFULandSEAWARD,Ihadtheresponsibility tocollaboratewith‘Chief’asitrelatedtothe purchasingofsparepartsandcreating effectiveworkplans Thoughtimesand herewiththe nandeven Iam readyto ringthese

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS?

We continue to have a few major projects under the advice and guidance of our Consultants These are moving at a steady pace and are dependent on the arrival of costly spare parts. The practice of good watch-keeping and standard daily maintenance practices are stressed to ward off engine damage and breakdowns, which can attack the bottom line in a far reaching negative way.

Along with the constant duties of maintenance, we have committed ourselves to the special project of the refurbishing of the tugboat George Munro This project is near and dear to our hearts here at PORTSIDE TOWING LTD. as the tugboat, which is an important part of the PORTSIDE TOWING LTD. fleet of tugboats, was named in honour of one of our founding fathers, Pilot George Munro.

We take great pride in this project, led by Capt. Kareem Robinson and managed by Mr. Michael Dobson. The tugboat will be ready to be front of and centre in final rites for Pilot Munro

Fast on its heels will be the dry dock projects. We continue to evaluate the clauses of the warrantee agreement for tugboat AJAX to ensure that the dry dock maintenance is in keeping with these requirements and the tugboat remains in show boat standard. We eagerly await the dry dock repairs for the tugboat Malcolm Jones. These dry dock repairs are a massive part of the tug boat long-term maintenance plans.

Little

detection will limit long term damage...

Pilot Derrick Brandt

ENGINEERING SUCCESS

PORT ENGINEER: Mr. Abdul Brown

Completes a systems analysis of the AJAX monitoring the display readings.

Mr Brown has been a key architect of maintenance turn around here at PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd He is the liaison between the Directorship and the consultants and works tirelessly to maintain the mechanical integrity of the vessels and ultimately the brand dependability of the fleet

THE CORE MANAGEMENT TEAM

LEFTTORIGHT:CAPT RICARDOROACH,MR MICHAELDOBSON, PILOTDERRICKBRANDT,PILOTROY(ROXY)FULLER,MR TYRONEWEBSTER, CAPT DENNISWILLIAMS, NOTINTHEPHOTO:PILOTHUBERTKERR,MR ABDULBROWN GeorgeMunroisaverypartof fleet.

I am so heartened by the Maintenance Teams, the super brilliant engineers under the guidance of the remarkable Port Engineer, Abdul Brown and of course the hard working deck team under solid guidance of our first class Captains.

We have developed a system where work plans are created by the Captains We have seen this system work. We are able to manage the maintenance projects in a more systematic way incorporating the procurement of spares by our purchasing team. The improvements are obvious and for that I am thankful

We will continue the special projects which will bolster the tugboat maintenance, for example:

THE TEAM: THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT

This project started with our own Mr. Garvey, Mr. Brown and Mr. Harris. The project now has a full time operator in the person of Victor Gordon who is leading the identification and logging of the warehouse supplies and the spares The project will be solidified by Bradley Delapenha who is our new technology and innovation officer. Mr Delapenha will create E-systems to structure the purchasing, ordering and warehousing of spares and Company property.

the welding project

This project is led by Lenval Mathews, who is aassisted by the PORTSIDE TOWING welding team of Alwyn Williams, Renarto Wellington and John Johnson and our external contractor.

This team will move from tugboat to tugboat to attack urgent welding repairs for a more aggressive approach to the aesthetic maintenance plan.

The team has worked on the George Munro project and are on to the Malcolm Jones project. They will systematically take on the projects on the other tugboats

This forms the base of the maintenance plan as the creation of sound structural elements is critical..

the paint project

This project has mushroomed from simply the audit and procurement of paints and solvents and expanded into an onboard practical exercise and training with the expert from BH paints. He has offered great insight into best practices in use of the paints and solvents in the marine environment. We are in the process of compiling a Maintenance manual with the procedures for chipping and painting

This chapter has been drafted by Capt. Spooner who inked procedures with a view to creating standards for all tugboats.

Let us use this opportunity to send a special ‘BIGUP’ to the Crew of the DUKE FULLER on the amazing engine room maintenance project

OUR TEAM

The life blood of our existence...

A

ROSE

AMONG THE NUTS AND BOLTS

Ali-Kaye Daley

THE 'HER' STORY

CB: When did your love for the maritime industry become evident?

AD: My love for the maritime world became evident to me during my teenage summers when I first set foot on the passenger vessel "Logos Hope". Curiosity got the best of me, where I started exploring the internet and came across stories and experiences shared by seafarers. I discovered the multitude of benefits that come with being part of the maritime community - from the opportunity to travel the world and experience diverse cultures to the sense of camaraderie among sailors and the unique skill set acquired through seamanship.

CB: What did your parents say when you told them of your discovered passion?

AD: When I expressed my desire to become a seafarer to my parents, they were initially surprised but supportive. They wanted to make sure that it was really what I wanted. They understood my passion for the sea and encouraged me to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

ALI- KAYE AS A PART OF THE

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME

CB; Have you ever felt doubtful?

AD: NO! I never felt doubtful. I understand not to let gender restrict my pursuit of dreams. Also, there was the inspiration and encouragement from other female sailors who came before me, breaking barriers and excelling in the field.

CB: How was the Caribbean Maritime Experience?

AD: My experience at Caribbean Maritime University was both challenging and rewarding, especially considering the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning presented its own set of obstacles, as hands-on training and practical exercises are essential components of maritime education. However, through innovative online platforms and virtual simulations, we were able to adapt and continue our studies.

CB: Has your love for the Maritime industry been solidified?

AD: Certainly, while my experiences in the maritime industry have solidified my love for it to a great extent, I must say not completely. I am yet to travel the vast oceans and gain the full experience of the maritime world. However, each step I take in my journey reaffirms my fascination and dedication to this incredible field.

CB: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

AD: My goal is to expand my knowledge, acquire more certifications, and take on new challenges to excel further in the maritime field. So 5 years from now I see myself propelling forward in my career, stepping closer to my aspiration of becoming a Captain.

CB: What advice would you give to young girls getting into the industry?

AD: Young girls aiming to join the maritime industry, have faith in your abilities. Don't allow stereotypes or societal pressures to hinder your pursuit of the ocean. Find mentors and inspirations to guide you. Be ready to put in hard effort. Learn to remain strong when faced with obstacles, and continuously seek knowledge.

Embrace the journey and have no regrets...

Mr Tyrone Webster General Manager

THANK YOU!

To every single TEAM Member! As GRATITUDE is an absolute must, it would be remiss of me to write a message of any kind without started it with a statement of thanks to both the shore-based and sea-going teams. I have seen a side of you, my team members, a winning spirit and focused on a collective goal and literally banded together to ensure that the goal was achieved.

My Heart is warmed by the care and dedication displayed by those team members who stayed on their vessels for much more than their duty periods. Thanks to not only you but also your families who loaned you to us for this period. A special thanks to those of you who tugboat-hopped and did work both on your tugboats as well as the George Munro. A special thanks to our specialists craftsmen, ‘FFrench’ whose carpentry work, the kitchen cabinet and the stairs were beyond amazing. Our welders and fabricators, Mr. Mathews, Mr. Williams, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Wellington and of course our contractor. Our engineers and of course your leader Mr. Abdul Brown, Thank You! A special THANK YOU to Capt. Kurt Williams who expertly carried out and enhanced the workplan of the Boat’s Lead Capt. Kareem Robinson. Capt. Robinson you have made us proud with the leadership of the teams, the co ordination of the project and ultimately the sailing of the vessel and operation on Saturday, May 11. You led your team with excellence.

The before and after pictures tell the story... TOGETHER WE WILL!

This is only the beginning. We must continue to consume ourselves with the maintenance of our beloved tugboats and ultimately the building of our brand as the premium TUGBOAT Company in the Caribbean.

We have started several projects that we ask you to take keen note of.

Certification 2024

By the end of December 2024, all team members must be duly certified to operate in the positions that they hold. We sent out a memo to ensure that all team members submit their qualifications and some persons complied. Several persons have reached out for assistance with fees to update their qualification and we have obliged but there is still more. Please ensure that you contact the head office soonest.

Procurement Audit

Our Team Member Bradley Delapenha has been working at dedicated pace to create systems for the ordering, delivery and warehousing of articles. So far we are impressed and are excited to test and roll out. This will make the procurement process much more efficient

Finance

I am extremely happy that the finance unit it operating with a greater level of efficiency through prompt invoicing and collections and of that we are happy. Please ensure that chits and fuel invoices are completed in a detailed manner.

George Munro Before After

Employment

We have commenced additional hiring but we need your patience during this process. We have seen a marked increase of candidate who have requested the opportunity to become a part of the PORTSIDE family. For this we are pleased. It means that many are seeing us as a place to advance in their Maritime journey. We however wish to be extremely methodical and thorough in choosing new family members as the ‘RIGHT FIT’ is critical.

UNIFORMS

As the PORTSIDE TOWING LTD. Brand recognition and representation is critical to us, we will revisiting the uniforms to ensure that our sea-fearers represent us in the best way possible and are safe while doing so. We will, on a phased basis distribute one new styled coverall for all crew for ceremonial purposes. Our Captains will be outfitted, on a phased basis, khaki shirts with epaulettes.

ComingSoon

PAINT MANUAL by Capt Spooner

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT

TRAINING MANUAL

EMPLOYEE MANUAL REVIEW PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Internal Training

With the expertise of Capt. Dennis Williams, we will be compiling the manuals and formalizing the internal training offerings. Several courses will be a requirement to ensure that we are up to date. A training needs assessment will be conducted for each sea-fearer. Training continues for our new Captains.

PORTSIDE TOWING LTD. Training Unit

We continue to approach our duties with excellence understanding the implications of less than par work and the devastating effects that it has on the bottom line.

Just as we say good bye to Pilot Munro we celebrate his life and celebrate the spirit of EXCELLENCE that was prevalent during the project. We pray that this will continue and become a signature to our brand. the wonderful portions lies in the fact that we know it is possible...we now know that TOGETHER WE WILL!

RICARDO ROACH, CAPT. DENNIS WILLIAMS

OPERATIONALLY SPEAKING

AN EVOLVED ATTITUDE

The new PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd was birthed by a series a wonderful experiences Some that would be perceived as less than positive but were however necessary along the trajectory of growth and development that we have now found ourselves on, for a season and a reason, for lessons. Now, as we continue to chart our course to navigate these new and challenging seas, we are mindful that our engines are fueled by YOU our best assets, OUR PEOPLE and therefore the very fortitude that it fuels.. that we benefit from... begs of you an EVOLVED ATTITUDE, one that comes from a mindset and perspective that has developed and matured over time One that is often gained through learning, experience, reflection, and personal growth This mindset most certainly signifies a more advanced or refined way of thinking and approaching various aspects of life including your work environment

Here are some key characteristics and elements associated with an evolved attitude:

OPEN-MINDEDNESS:

An evolved attitude is open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It recognizes that there is always room for growth and learning, and it doesn't cling rigidly to pre-conceived notions or beliefs.

RESILIENCE:

It is resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. An evolved attitude sees obstacles as opportunities for growth and development rather than insurmountable roadblocks.

Mr Michael Dobson

SELF-AWARENESS:

It involves a high degree of selfawareness. Those with an evolved attitude are in tune with their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and personal values.

CRITICAL THINKING:

It values critical thinking and rationality An evolved attitude seeks to make informed decisions based on evidence and sound reasoning rather than relying on biases or assumptions.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

OPERATIONALLY SPEAKING

OPERATIONALLY SPEAKING

AN EVOLVED ATTITUDE

RESPONSIBILITY:

It takes responsibility for one ' s actions and their consequences. An evolved attitude does not shift blame but instead looks for ways to rectify mistakes and improve situations.

LIFELONG LEARNING:

It embraces the concept of lifelong learning. An evolved attitude understands that growth is a continuous process and that there is always more to discover and understand.

In summary, an evolved attitude represents a more enlightened, compassionate, and balanced approach to life. It is marked by personal growth, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to positive change. It is a mindset that fosters greater harmony, understanding, and well-being, both for an individual and an organisation.

DOBSON

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. ” Frederick Douglass

MICHAEL

Our Administrative Professional

Sherene Reid