GRAHAM D. LEES

B.Ed. (Hons); CGLI Cert. (Marine Electronics); MRGC Cert.; BOT Radar Maintenance Cert.; GMDSS GOC; TC (Manchester University)

Born in Liverpool and raised in Bebington, Wirral, Graham was educated at Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby, and trained as a radio officer at Riversdale College of Technology, Liverpool. He spent five years serving as a radio officer, followed by a further six years as a radio and electronics officer on a wide range of UK-registered vessels, including passenger ships, general cargo, oil and chemical tankers, gas carriers, and car/bulk cargo carriers.

Graham started teaching marine radio and electronics at Riversdale College in 1976 and became senior lecturer in charge of HND and GMDSS courses. After completing 21 years of teaching, he is now retired but continues his involvement in technical writing and advisory work, specializing in the training needs of those involved in marine radio communications and electronic navigational aids to industries. He retains his appointment as GMDSS examiner on behalf of MCA/AMERC and recently returned to his role on the AMERC GMDSS examiners panel.

WILLIAM G. WILLIAMSON

B.Sc. (Open); Eng. Tech; MIET.; 1st Class PMG.; BOT Radar Maintenance Cert.; GMDSS GOC; Cert. Ed. (Manchester University)

William was born in Glasgow in 1943 and joined the Merchant Navy as a radio officer following initial training at the Glasgow Wireless College. He spent seven years at sea, during which time he served on a variety of vessels, including general cargo ships, tramps, and tankers. He continued his involvement with the marine industry as a marine electronics engineer based at Liverpool, gaining wide service experience on UK- and foreign-flagged vessels. During this period, he served for some years as an executive member of the Radio Officers' Union.

After 20 years with the Marconi Marine Company, William joined the staff at Riversdale College of Technology in 1980 as a lecturer, primarily concerned with radio officer training. Following a reorganization, he became a senior lecturer at Liverpool Community College, with particular responsibilities for all GMDSS courses, including the GOC, ROC, and LRC certificates, until he retired in 2001. He then continued to teach part time on GMDSS courses at the Lairdside Maritime Centre, Birkenhead, until he finally retired in 2015. William was a member of A MERC's executive committee for 9 years and chaired AMERC's Regulations Examination panel for 15 years. He is currently the chairman of the Liverpool Marine Radio and Electronics Society and the Liverpool Nautical Research Society.