If you met Captain Dick Jolly in the supermarket, you might not realize that you were talking to a world-renowned salvage expert, 1 of only 40 in the world on the "Scopic Panel" (a group of expert salvage consultants approved to represent all parties and their insurers at marine casualties). Dick came to Eden 28 years ago to take up the position of tug master for a couple of years, and still lives here today with his wife Roslyn.Dick grew up at Charlton, in Victoria, and began his apprenticeship on the sea at the age of 16. He soon found his career direction, as the ship he was serving on broke down and had to be towed into port and Dick had a chance to talk with the salvage master in charge and learn about the world of marine salvage. After getting his Second Mate's certificate, he went to the UK and joined the salvage tug industry.
Before becoming a salvage master, Dick was the captain of several ocean-goings tugs, and towed dredges, oil rigs, obsolete warships and other objects on over 100 contracts. The ship in the painting behind him, the Salviscount, was the biggest tug boat in the world when Dick became Master of her. On another occasion Dick was in charge of one the world's longest tows, towing a dredger 13,000 miles from New Zealand to Rotterdam.
Dick has supervised over 80 salvage jobs during his career, ranging from fishing vessels to ships of more than 200,000 tons. Over the past few years, most jobs have begun with a 2:00am phone call from London Underwriters, followed by a quick trip to the local airport and a connecting flight to anywhere from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Islands and anywhere in between.
His most recent assignment was with the Pasha Bulker, which was stranded on the beach last winter at Newcastle. Dick was there as a Special Casualty Representative, to advise the salvage master, approve salvage methods and deal with local authorities. After refloating and temporary repairs, Dick approved the towing arrangements and met the vessel again in Vietnam to ensure her safe dry-docking for permanent repairs. The Pasha Bulker now has a new name and a new bottom, and is again plying the seas.
Dick is 68 now, and has had to retire recently due to ill health. He has written his autobiography "Wreck, Rescue and Salvage", which is full of absorbing stories of his adventures across the globe. You can find the book online at Whittles Publishing, Amazon and most other book retailers.
Note: Sadly, Captain Dick Jolly passed away in February 2009.
2 comments:
hello dick ,its john skelton ,bob skeltons brother ..we bought your book and enjoyed reading it ,it was very good dick..bob is 80 now ,rob richardson asked about you,you went to his wedding in hull .when you stayed at m.n .house..our bob is still doing d.i.y.,and carving wood ..i like your site in eden ,,on the net ,take care capt dick ,,john and bob skelton ..
hello dick, I read your book and it brought back many memories when I sailed with you on the Brittonia. Its nice to see your still enjoying life and doing well and that your married. I spoke to John and Bob Skelton as we still see a lot of each other, we was always saying we wondered how you was getting on until we found your book. It would be nice to hear back from you. Take Care skipper Dick and the next time you write a book it will be a good one.
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