About this Outport
The aim of forming a livery company for Master Mariners was first proposed by Robert Chadwick MP at a dinner in Liverpool in 1921. Liverpool and the Northwest Outport continue to play an active role in the Company to this day. With over 82 members at every level of the Company and with knowledge and experience in all aspects of the maritime industry, the Northwest Outport continues to play its part in supporting the Company’s mission.
The North-West is home to the major ports of Liverpool, Manchester and Holyhead handling freight, container, oil, and bulk cargoes, as well as ferries and passenger services and support services.
Captain Derrick Kemp MNM
Outport Honorary Chairman for North West of England
My Career at sea commenced in 1957, when I joined the South African Training Ship “General Botha", at Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town. I joined The Ellerman and Hall Line of Liverpool as a Deck Apprentice.
1962 I joined the South African Marine Corporation, serving aboard a variety of vessels. Promoted to Master in 1973, commanding various vessels, General Cargo, Refrigerated, Heavy Lift, Cadet Training Ship and Container Vessels. From 1987 until my retirement, I commanded various Cruise Ships including: mv Astor; mv Ocean Pearl; mv Caledonian Star; mv Saga Rose; mv R1 and mv R4; and mv Discovery.
I retired 2011, having been in command of passenger ships for 24 years.
Captain Les Hesketh CMMar
Outport Honorary Secretary for North West of England
HMS Conway - New Zealand Shipping Co. / P&O Bulk shipping- from Cadet to Master to Superintendent - Risk Assessor UK P&I Club.- FNI, CMMar -contributions to 4 xN.I books.-Manager for Conway Merchant Navy Trust Cadets. MNTB member. HCMM NW Outport Secretary.
Email: northwest@hcmm.org.uk
Other honouary officers of the Outport are:
Court Representative - Captain Les Hesketh CMMar
Social Secretary – Captain Peter Eaton
Treasurer – Dr Steve Bonsall Ph.D.
To get in touch with the Outport, please email the Honorary Secretary.
Social Events
As well as our regular business meetings which are held 4 times a year, members meet on the third Monday of every month at ‘Ye Hole in Ye Wall’ for a more informal discussion and refreshments. “Ye hole in Ye Wall “is reputed to be the oldest pub in Liverpool and the Landlord kindly allows us to use a corner of his pub as our wardroom. The area is marked with a suitably engraved plaque. Any member visiting Liverpool is very welcome to join us at these gatherings.
During the covid restrictions the outport started virtual meetings via zoom on a Monday evening at 8.00pm. These meetings have proved so popular that we will be continuing to hold them and welcome members from other Outports to join us. The meetings have proven to be an ideal forum for discussing current issues and led to the publication of position statements on lithium-ion batteries etc. They have also proved to be very popular with cadets, associates and sea staff who use them to enhance their knowledge and ask questions.
The Outport organises two major social events a year, a Master and Clerk Lunch held in Liverpool in November and a Spring Lunch held in Chester in May. Both events are open to all HCMM members and their guests.