Meet the crew

Born in South Shields, Keeran grew up close to the sea and the River Tyne. His passion for the maritime world began early, sailing from Royal Quays Marina in his childhood with the Ocean Youth Trust and Sea Scouts. Keeran joins boatfolk from the Port of Tyne, where he has served as Assistant Harbour Master since 2023. His maritime career began as a Deck Officer on a variety of commercial vessels, ranging from LNG tankers and buoy tenders to offshore research vessels and containerships. This breadth of experience has given Keeran a comprehensive understanding of the maritime sector. He is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and welcoming space that serves the local community, supports visiting boaters, and accommodates our diverse range of users. Outside of work, Keeran enjoys mountain biking, attending the theatre, and dedicating time to his duties in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Sue is ‘Wright’ by name and ‘right’ by nature! All her numbers add up, and she keeps our accounts ship shape and in order – and she’s fun and friendly too! A stalwart of the local sailing club, in her day she was pretty hot in Enterprises and is an old hand sailing back and forth across the North Sea.

A guitar obsessive, classic Porsche restorer, and owner of the good ship ‘Florrie’, Craig keeps us entertained! A former singer on the club circuit he resolutely refuses to sing at work, but you might catch him picking out a few guitar riffs in the wee small hours of a night shift.

Like all the Berthing Masters at Royal Quays Marina, Dave is an expert in multi-tasking and is just as likely to be spotted out on the pontoons with the pressure washer, assisting in the boat yard, out in the work boat moving boats, collecting debris, catching lines in the lock, or operating the lock from the control tower. Since leaving the Royal Navy in 1989, Dave has been a volunteer with the Sea Cadets and is chief instructor and  Area Officer at Derwenthaugh Sea Cadets on the Tyne. He has been recognised for his dedication to helping young people get on the water with a Lifetime Commitment Award. Dave started a sailing development programme which has seen many Sea Cadets go on to become Assistant Instructors, and the unit is now an RYA Training Centre, offering courses and activities for young people from across the region. 

As with all the Berthing Master team, you will find Ken answering the VHF, operating the lock gates, taking your lines, lifting boats, serving fuel, keeping the marina clean, tidy and well maintained, checking boats, recording all the ins and outs, doing security, and working the till. Phew! And he still has time to smile!

As with all the Berthing Master team, you will find Jamie answering the VHF, operating the lock gates, taking your lines, working in the boat yard, serving fuel, checking boats  and getting stuck into whatever other marina jobs need tackling by a willing pair of hands.