OTAIO

Magnificent in every way. Built to a standard, managed to a standard, manned to a standard at a time when standards were important.

Unfortunately it didn't come up to those standards, any way, not in the early days.

I was sent to Otaio, and then sent home because my brother was already on board as a cadet. Two young members of the same family were not allowed to sail together.

Official No. 187758 Speed: 15 knots
Tonnages 12,997 gross 6,483 net 13,725 deadweight
Dimensions Length: 526' 2" Beam: 73' 3" Depth: 43' 0"
Shipowner: New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd., London.
Machinery: Two six cylinder 2 S.C. SA Doxford oil engines manufactured by the shipbuilder, driving twin screws, developing 12,400 BHP.
Shipbuilder: John Brown and Co. (Clydebank) Ltd., Clydebank (Yard No: 709)
History:
09/12/1957: Launched.
00/04/1958: Delivered.
00/00/1966: Transferred to Federal Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., (New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd., managers), London.
01/10/1971: P&O General Cargo Division appointed managers.
19/04/1973: Registered in the ownership of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co.
21/07/1976: Sold to Laggan Bay Shipping Co. Ltd., Liberia and renamed EASTERN ACADEMY.
00/00/1977: World Shipmanagement Services Pte., Singapore appointed managers.
00/00/1978: Gulfeast Ship Management, Hong Kong appointed managers.
00/00/1980: Sold to Arabian Maritime Transport Co. Ltd., (AMTC), Saudi Arabia.
00/00/1981: Sold to Geofman Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pakistan for demolition.
18/12/1981: Arrived Karachi.
20/07/1982: Beached at Gadani Beach.
11/10/1982: Work commenced.

My second deep sea ship for the NZSC.

Served on her from July 1965 until January 1967 and left for a quick trip to oz on the "Dorset".

The "Otaio" was indeed a unique ship, the Chief Engineer was "Jock" Cowper and the Master was K. Barnett R.D., R.N.R.