Member notes for Stephen Long

Left Claydon in 1973, spent a year at Oriel Grammar with Angela Mitchell and Gary Jarvis before hitting the job market. Worked as a storeman in a garage before deciding to join the Merchant Navy in 1975. Did a four year cadetship with Trinder Anderson (General Cargo Ships) attending the Merchant Navy College in Kent where I managed to pass ONC & get my Class3 certificate as a Deck Officer. Friends back then Alan Patience, Andy Dogherty, Tim Willis & Brian Dickinson. Made redundant in 1980-81 as the recession hit and spent two half years working foreign flag on mini bulk carriers before joining Trinity House in 1984, having met future wife in 1982 and passing my Class 2 certificate at Lowestoft in 1983. Married Suzanne in 1985 when she was working as a qualified veternary nurse and first child Hannah arrived in 1986. Second child David born in 1989 and left Trinity House shortly afterwards moving into the offshore sector. First job was with BUE Marine on survey / Remotely Operated Vehicle (unmanned submarines)Support Vessels and then in 1991 again made redundant and so moved to the Tharos (semi sub famous for it's involvement with the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988) After a year there were plans to sell it off and so went to work for Stena Offshore in 1993 on their fleet of pipe laying and Diving Support Vessels & been there ever since. The company sponsored me through college in 1996 and I passed my Master's Certificate in 1997 after another spell at Lowestoft College. Currently still living in Gorleston, working on a vessel based in the Far East & Australia as a Chief Officer, Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator, Safety & Security Officer.
Suzanne gave up veternary nursing after Hannah's birth but now teaches Health & Social Care at Great Yarmouth College of Further Education. Hannah is studying voice at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London(G4, Orlando Bloom and many others who rank amongst it's past students) and is into the third year of her four year degree course. She intends to continue at the Guildhall to do a post gradute course and wants to go on to sing opera.
David will be 18 next month and is currently finishing off a course at Great Yarmouth College to become a carpenter and is looking for an apprenticeship.