Benjamin Herries Email & Phone Number

Med / Caribbean

I joined Paloma during a busy shipyard period where I worked hard to improve my sanding, varnishing and paint repair skills. I used this intensive time to expand my knowledge of all the deck cleaning and maintenance products and Awl Grip paint and Awl Bright varnish. Over the three seasons I have spent on Paloma I have accumulated a vast amount of watchkeeping experience, both on the bridge and in the engine room. After being onboard a little over a year, my hard work paid off and I was promoted to Bosun. My new responsibilities include taking charge of deck operations such as aft deck moorings, launching and recovering tenders, tender driving, safety tours of the yacht, anchoring and maintaining the inventory of deck cleaning and maintenance supplies. I also carry out all wood repairs and varnish top coating onboard.

Malta

I was first employed by Alex Aquilina to help out with a larger project, after impressing Alex with my work ethos he employed me full time. We were contracted to provide sand blasting and spraying services for buildings and commercial vessels across Malta.

Malta

A winter season working as a deckhand onboard, during these months I assisted the engineers with main engine overhauls and some general engine room maintenance during the shipyards period. As the sole deckhand onboard, all deck maintenance was my responsibilities including sanding, painting and varnishing. Before my departure of Istros I instructed the new crew in all the anchoring, tender launching, line handling, wash downs, deck scrubbing, polishing procedures onboard.

Med

During a seasonal role onboard a classic luxury yacht dating from the 1950s, I gained valuable experience as a deckhand. I learned many skills including tender driving, a whole range of seamanship skills and how to maintain the appearance of the yachts varnish and brass. Throughout our busy season I became a competent watchkeeper of both the bridge and engine room, with many of our fittings and machinery being original, vigilance was paramount. I adapted well to this role and enjoyed the new tasks each day brought me. After the season I was excited to get onboard another yacht and continue my role as a deckhand.

Malta

As part of the team of marine engineering specialist, I carried out maintenance and overhauls on a range of mechanical equipment including diesel engines, hydraulic systems, air compressors, and the installation of generators. Pipe fitting and welding were also part of my responsibilities. I was also in control of stock and tool storage. We were contracted to assist during shipyard periods on a variety of vessels such as tankers, trawlers, motor and sailing yachts. One of the more exciting project was the re-fitting of a tug boat into a private exploration yacht.