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NOSTALGIA

This is a transcription of an official document lent to us which we feel will be of great interest to you.

PORT AUXILIARY SERVICE

 

The Port Auxiliary Service (PAS) is a civilian department of the ministry of Defence (Navy), it was created on 1st October 1958, by the amalgamation of all the water craft and their civilian crews employed by various departments of what was then the Admiralty.� It operates in the Dockyard Ports of Devonport, Portsmouth, Chatham and Rosyth, and on the river Clyde, it also operates overseas at Gibraltar, Malta and Singapore.

 

The primary function is to serve vessels of the sea-going fleet of The Royal Navy; a secondary function is the Marine service associated with the running of the Dockyard Port and with providing vessels in connection with trials and development of new weapons and equipment.

 

The craft are varied and are suited to the various tasks which they are to undertake.� The personnel can man any of the craft, the wishes of those employed being considered in the allocating of men to vessels.� One type of craft is the tug which can vary in size, from 3000 HP vessels for major towing work to small craft of only HP. There are coastal cargo vessels carrying ammunition and stores around the coasts of the United Kingdom.

 

Specialist craft designed for salvage an moorings, for working with targets or for calibrating radio direction finding equipment in large ships, are regularly working in the coastal waters off the major portsInside the harbour there is a fleet of specialised craft concerned with the supply and distribution to the Fleet of various commodities including water, food, stores, fuel and oils.� There is also the provision of ferry services between piers and ships for all personnel wishing to travel on duty or on leave.  In Devonport the PAS is administered by the Captain of the Dockyard, with the final authority being the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth.The PAS is a popular service.� It presents to the young man a seaman s career which in every respect is associated with the sea, whilst not making the demands of world-wide service.

 

A boy entering the service at the age of 15 to 16 years as Deck Boy is trained to become an Ordinary Seaman at the age of 18 years, and Able Seaman at the age of 20 years, providing that he can pass the necessary seamanship tests.� From then on his future is up to him.  He can qualify for Leading Seaman (Coxswain of a Launch), or Boatswain (Coxswain of a large Launch), Second-In-Command of a small ship, or in charge of the deck of a large tug.

 

He can take the examination for Mate or Master (theses grades are of Civil Service Non-Industrial status) and is given every help to train and study for them.� There is then every opportunity for further promotion by special Selection Boards to Master (Higher Scale) and the final grade of Shipping Master.

 

A special qualification exists for Deck officers who can qualify as Admiralty Pilots.� These Pilots are Masters of large Tugs, and pilot all classes of HM Ships and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, and receive extra pay for doing so.  The number of vacancies each year is necessarily limited, but should you (or a near relative or friend) be interested in joining the Port Auxiliary Service, the first step should be to telephone the Administrative Office, who will supply more details and arrange for a preliminary interview.

 

METHODS OF ENTRY

 

Boys must be 15 years of age and under 16 years on entry.� They must have good eyesight and be in excellent health in order to pass the medical examination. There are occasional vacancies for ex-RN and MN Seamen and Stokers.

 

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

 

The conditions of service allow for a week of 42 1/2 hours spread over 5 days (Monday to Friday).� These hours are calculated on a cumulative basis for all work performed between 6 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday. Overtime is paid for any hours over 42 1/2 during these times.All hours worked between 6 pm and 6 am Monday to Friday and n Saturday are paid as overtime.� All Sunday hours are also paid as overtime.Working hours are normally from 7.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday.

 

AGREEMENT

 

Members of the Port Auxiliary Service are required to sign an Admiralty agreement to serve faithfully in any craft and to obey all lawful orders of their superiors.

 

 

PENSION AND GRATUITY SCHEME

 

The usual Civil Service gratuity schemes and opportunities for being placed on the Established List apply to all ratings.  Officers are all permanent Civil Servants.

 

The rates of pay  as 1st April 1968

 

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