Before I went to pre-sea school (Warsash) I lived in Hong Kong (service brat) and spent many happy hours gazing at the "Fragrant Harbour" and all the ships anchored or on the buoys. I never ceased to be amazed at the number of ships of all shapes, types and sizes, so there was little doubt what job I would end up doing. I was never that taken by the warships but the cargo ships did it for me.
When the Careers Officer - flown out from UK at vast expense no doubt - came to the school all he could offer was trainee retail management - Woolies and the like! When I said the 'sea' he changed tack and said "Royal Navy, excellent choice young man". When I enlightened him and said Merchant Navy he said, and I'll never forget this, " You can't do that it's full of drunks and ne'er-do-wells" Red rag to a bull if ever there was one! He refused to help so I made contact with British Council in HK and they were very helpful and by and by got me into sea school.
