SOMMSA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Captain Nick Sloane on his appointment as the new President of the International Salvage Union. This was confirmed by the ISU membership this week during their annual general meeting. Nick is South Africa’s second sitting President of the ISU – a position once occupied by Captain Okke Grapow.
Nick has been involved in the salvage industry from as far back as 1983 when he was appointed as Third Mate aboard the salvage tug John Ross which he later commanded. One of the first salvage jobs to which he was exposed aboard the tug was the Castillo de Bellver tanker disaster off the West Coast. This was to be the start of a memorable career. He has lead salvage teams locally and around the world with the distinction of completing successfully some of the most complex operations ever undertaken. Most famously, he is remembered for leading a multinational team of 500+ people to parbuckle and refloat the capsized cruise ship Costa Concordia off the island of Giglio in Italy. His leadership on this project, and all others for that matter, is based on the Ubuntu philosophy that ensures that human dignity is always at the core of your actions – “I am because you are.” His emails are always signed off with a quote by former President Nelson Mandela “Everything appears to be impossible, and then it is done,” … a fitting reminder to his teams that have often felt that the odds are stacked against them.
Commenting on his election, Captain Sloane said “I am honoured to represent Resolve on the ISU Executive Committee and it is a privilege for me to take over the leadership position as President of the ISU. I want to see through our commitment to cooperate with insurers recognising that we servethe same clients, the shipowners. I want to vigorously promote our industry and its benefits. In particular, I will emphasise that protection of the environment is such an important aspect of our members’ operations and so crucial in the world today whichhas rightly put the environment at the top of the international political agenda.”
Captain Sloane’s selection is not only an accolade for him and his family, but it once again highlights and promotes South Africa’s presence in maritime industry. We hope that his appointment will inspire a future generation of mariners to enter the interesting world of salvage.
SOMMSA members congratulate Captain Sloane once again and wish him all the best for his term of office.
2018: ISU AGM in Cape Town: Captain Nick Sloane receiving the SOMMSA Gold Medal from Rob Whitehead in recognition of his leadership in the successful Costa Concordia wreck removal operation.
