MAN ON A MISSION

摘要

Richard Graham views his role as the manpower recovery programme manager for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) as much more than just a job -to him this is the chance to repay a huge debt. "The RFA 'rescued' me from the merchant navy in a time when there was a severe decline," he says, explaining that he struggled to find full-time employment at sea after being made redundant by BP Shipping in 1984. Although he was given a four-month appointment on completion of his cadetship to gain experience as a qualified marine engineer, this did not translate in to a permanent job, either with the company or its counterparts. Graham recollects that, at the time, there was virtually no demand for newly qualified marine engineers.