The May 2026 welcome message from the AMWS Chairman,
Mr David Parmeter
Mr David Parmeter
Hello everyone, and welcome to the May 2026 edition of the Seafarers Welfare Bulletin.
I am sad to report that our former Chair, Captain Alan Tait passed away on the 9th May. He had been ill and while his death was not unexpected, it was still a blow to everyone who had the great good fortune to know Alan.
Alan had an outstanding career in the Australian maritime industry. He started as a deck cadet with Howard Smith's and quickly progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Master while still in his twenties. His time at sea was followed by long and distinguished service in shore management with that company, finishing as head of the Shipping Department. Alan was always a significant contributor to the industry, serving as Chairman of the Australian Shipowners Industrial Association and a Director of the Australian Shipowners Association (the forerunner to MIAL). When he retired from corporate life Alan continued to be heavily involved with the maritime sector as deputy and acting chair of AMSA. His outstanding contribution to the industry was recognised by the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal and induction into the Shipping and Maritime Hall of Fame.
In particular Alan will be remembered for his selfless dedication to the cause of seafarer welfare, an issue that was very important to him. As a long serving Chair of the AMWS, he led the organisation with drive and dedication. Alan's energy, concern and commitment was an inspiration, and his loss will be keenly felt by everyone involved in seafarer welfare. Alan was also very involved with Sydney Cove Rotary and always enjoyed meeting a young person who had been helped to get ahead in life.
Alan was greatly devoted to his family, especially his wife Lorraine. For all of us who knew Alan as a friend, what we will miss is his wisdom and humour, his good company socially, and his unfailing generosity.
At a personal level, I will remember him as a valued mentor and a gentleman of the old school. May he rest in peace.
I am sad to report that our former Chair, Captain Alan Tait passed away on the 9th May. He had been ill and while his death was not unexpected, it was still a blow to everyone who had the great good fortune to know Alan.
Alan had an outstanding career in the Australian maritime industry. He started as a deck cadet with Howard Smith's and quickly progressed through the ranks and was promoted to Master while still in his twenties. His time at sea was followed by long and distinguished service in shore management with that company, finishing as head of the Shipping Department. Alan was always a significant contributor to the industry, serving as Chairman of the Australian Shipowners Industrial Association and a Director of the Australian Shipowners Association (the forerunner to MIAL). When he retired from corporate life Alan continued to be heavily involved with the maritime sector as deputy and acting chair of AMSA. His outstanding contribution to the industry was recognised by the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal and induction into the Shipping and Maritime Hall of Fame.
In particular Alan will be remembered for his selfless dedication to the cause of seafarer welfare, an issue that was very important to him. As a long serving Chair of the AMWS, he led the organisation with drive and dedication. Alan's energy, concern and commitment was an inspiration, and his loss will be keenly felt by everyone involved in seafarer welfare. Alan was also very involved with Sydney Cove Rotary and always enjoyed meeting a young person who had been helped to get ahead in life.
Alan was greatly devoted to his family, especially his wife Lorraine. For all of us who knew Alan as a friend, what we will miss is his wisdom and humour, his good company socially, and his unfailing generosity.
At a personal level, I will remember him as a valued mentor and a gentleman of the old school. May he rest in peace.
