Industry Condolences, May 2026
Captain Jeannine Drummond, Chair AMSA:
This is very sad news, of a great man’s passing. And what an incredible impact he has made on the world around us all. This legacy will continue to live on for many generations to come.
David Field, former Chair of the Merchant Navy War Memmorial Fund:
As many of us well know Alan was a true gentleman and thoroughly good company. An outstanding career was recognised by his elevation to the Shipping & Maritime Hall of Fame Award in 2018 and his OAM for services to the Maritime Industry. His dedication to the support / advocacy of Seafarers Welfare has been recognised through his involvement and appointments with many organisations.
Sister Mary Leahy, AOS-Stella Maris Chaplain Sydny
We will miss him for a long time to come. However his influence will continue to inspire us.
Father Tony Cox, National Director AOS-Stella Maris
I am sure that his memory and deeds will live on in the works and generosity that follow him.
Sue Dight, Regional Director Mission to Seafarers
Alan’s impact and legacy is long lasting, and embedded in centres, buses, training and each individual Seafarer that has called at our ports.
Reverend Un Tay
Alan lived a life that was truly full, defined by his immense contribution to the welfare of seafarers and their families.
AMOU
Captain Alan Tait OAM passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Alan retired from Howard Smiths in 1995; he was the Marine Manager at that time.,Alan also served as deputy and acting chairman of AMSA and Chairman of the AMSA Safety Committee and Director of the Australian Shipowners Association. He was a champion of seafarer welfare, serving as Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society for many years.
League of Ancient Mariners
Alan was a long-standing member of the League, serving as President on numerous occasions from 2002 until 2017. He had a long and distinguished career in the maritime industry and a champion of seafarer welfare serving as a board member and Chair of the Australian Maritime Welfare Society for many years. He will be greatly missed.
OSSA
Captain Alan Tait OAM passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Alan retired from Howard Smiths in 1995; he was the Marine Manager at that time. Alan also served as deputy and acting chairman of AMSA and Chairman of the AMSA Safety Committee and Director of the Australian Shipowners Association. He was a champion of seafarer welfare, serving as Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society for many years.
This is very sad news, of a great man’s passing. And what an incredible impact he has made on the world around us all. This legacy will continue to live on for many generations to come.
David Field, former Chair of the Merchant Navy War Memmorial Fund:
As many of us well know Alan was a true gentleman and thoroughly good company. An outstanding career was recognised by his elevation to the Shipping & Maritime Hall of Fame Award in 2018 and his OAM for services to the Maritime Industry. His dedication to the support / advocacy of Seafarers Welfare has been recognised through his involvement and appointments with many organisations.
Sister Mary Leahy, AOS-Stella Maris Chaplain Sydny
We will miss him for a long time to come. However his influence will continue to inspire us.
Father Tony Cox, National Director AOS-Stella Maris
I am sure that his memory and deeds will live on in the works and generosity that follow him.
Sue Dight, Regional Director Mission to Seafarers
Alan’s impact and legacy is long lasting, and embedded in centres, buses, training and each individual Seafarer that has called at our ports.
Reverend Un Tay
Alan lived a life that was truly full, defined by his immense contribution to the welfare of seafarers and their families.
AMOU
Captain Alan Tait OAM passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Alan retired from Howard Smiths in 1995; he was the Marine Manager at that time.,Alan also served as deputy and acting chairman of AMSA and Chairman of the AMSA Safety Committee and Director of the Australian Shipowners Association. He was a champion of seafarer welfare, serving as Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society for many years.
League of Ancient Mariners
Alan was a long-standing member of the League, serving as President on numerous occasions from 2002 until 2017. He had a long and distinguished career in the maritime industry and a champion of seafarer welfare serving as a board member and Chair of the Australian Maritime Welfare Society for many years. He will be greatly missed.
OSSA
Captain Alan Tait OAM passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Alan retired from Howard Smiths in 1995; he was the Marine Manager at that time. Alan also served as deputy and acting chairman of AMSA and Chairman of the AMSA Safety Committee and Director of the Australian Shipowners Association. He was a champion of seafarer welfare, serving as Chair of the Australian Mariners Welfare Society for many years.
A life well lived
