(Postcard Collection)
Geoff's interest in shipping on the Mersey spans almost exactly fifty years, beginning with his early close quarters observation of the ships in Birkenhead docks whilst learning to row there as a Sea Scout in 1954. This initial interest led to him joining HMS Conway sea training school in 1958. Geoff left Conway in 1960 joining PSNC as a cadet for one trip whilst awaiting a vacancy to join the Liverpool Pilot Service. After five years hard-labour as a Boathand (Pilot Apprentice) on the pilot boats Geoff served as Third Mate with Booker Line and Sugar Line to acquire a further twelve months sea time. Returning then to the Pilot Boats as a Senior Boathand for five months before being Licensed as a Third Class Liverpool Pilot in May 1967. Passing through the usual stages he later became a Senior First Class Pilot on the River Mersey, and was also for a time the President of the European Maritime Pilots Association.
For those not familiar with the Liverpool Pilot Service; it is operated by the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board (MD&HB) the Port of Liverpool authority, with a pilot station at Point Lynas on the North coast of Anglesey and another at the Mersey Bar. Liverpool pilots are in a self-employed cooperative and Licensed (now Authorised) by the MD&HB. In the early days of his time as a Liverpool pilot the pilotage district covered the approaches to all the ports around the Eastern Irish Sea from Holyhead in the South to Barrow in the North, and the East coast of the Isle of Man. However, most of the ships requiring a pilot even then were bound for the various River Mersey ports, which includes the Liverpool and Birkenhead Docks, the Manchester Ship Canal and Garston, although occasionally he found himself piloting a ship to or from one of the other Irish Sea ports.
After thirty five years as a pilot Geoff swallowed the anchor in 2002 having thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Liverpool pilot piloting the full range of ships from small coasters, tankers, container ships through to Panamax bulk carriers. During his years as a pilot he built up a substantial postcard collection of the River Mersey docks and shipping which through the good offices of the MNOfficers website he is eager to share with those elsewhere who might find them of interest.
If there are any queries arising from his collection he will be happy to be contacted at: Geoff Topp
Blue Funnel and barges, Vittoria Dock, Birkenhead.
Brocklebank Dock c1902
Canada Dock, Liverpool
Canada entrance to Sandonentance, Liverpool
Canada and Huskisson Docks, Liverpool
Canning Half-Tide Entrance, c1908
Canning Half-Tide Entrance, c1920
Georges Dock Liverpool
Georges Dock Liverpool
Georges Dock Liverpool
Page Two