Trevor Gibson's late wife reckoned the former Wanganui harbour master had salt water in his veins where other people had blood. That's because of Mr Gibson's long and continuing association with all things nautical. Long since retired from working at city's port, Mr Gibson continues a keen link with the seaand river and the Coastguard has recognised this devotion with special awards at its national conference on the weekend. He received the Coastguard Boating Education Award for Excellence, one of three awards handed out. Mr Gibson's award was for the lower North Island while the other awards went to someone representing the upper North Island the South Island. He said he was "chuffed" to get the award, which includes a framed certificate and a replica of the Cape Egmont lighthouse carved from swamp kauri. The award recognised his work in running safe boating courses in Wanganui, something he started co-ordinating 28 years ago. "It started with a safe boating course in 1980, then moved on to include boat masters' courses and day skipper courses," 78-year-old Mr Gibson said. He used to run junior safe boating courses at Wanganui Intermediate but the school has since taken over that role. Mr Gibson's life-long association with the port and river started when he was working on the dredge at Castlecliff. He later moved on to become port captain/harbour master until he retired in 1988. He even had time to start Sea Cadets in 1965. Even in retirement, the sea and river are close by for him. About once a week he pilots the PS Waimarie. "There's not a lot I don't do that doesn't involve the river or the sea," Mr Gibson said. But there's no time to sit on his newly awarded laurels. This week he's running a VHF radio course and advertising for starters on the next day skippers'' course. For those heading out in boats off our coast, Mr Gibson offers some sage advice: "Treat Neptune with respect - because, if you don't, he won't respect you." PICTURED: Trevor Gibson and his awards - the certificate from the Coastguard (which he's holding) and the replica of the Cape Egmont lighthouse carved out of swamp kauri.
