KWL's CEO hails retired manager as pioneer in maritime security

After 24 years at the helm of SAL, Captain Ulett retired on September 2, Stephenson advised. "He conceptualised and implemented many systems and procedures to combat drug smuggling that were ahead of their time and, as a result, SAL was called upon to provide services at other major ports around the island," Stephenson said.

He noted that Captain Ulett's achievements are many. Captain Ulett introduced the ROV machine to check the hulls of ships when it became risky to employ humans to carry out that function. SAL is now the dealer for these machines.

In 2008, to ensure a greater level of control at KWL, Captain Ulett proposed the formation of SAL Security Services Limited (SSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of SAL, to assume responsibility for providing security officers, which hitherto was supplied by private firms.

Specialist training

"Today, almost all major shipping lines use SAL for specialist security services, a fine testimony of the effectiveness of his efforts," Stephenson said. Not only did Captain Ulett become well known all around the Caribbean for his pioneering efforts, but it led to his providing specialist training in several countries.

In Jamaica, Captain Ulett developed and delivered the Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO) training course that has become the standard for the Caribbean. Based on the success of the course, Captain Ulett also successfully launched a senior PFSO course for Jamaica and the region.

More recently, SAL, led by Captain Ulett, collaborated with the Caribbean Maritime Institute and launched a bachelor's degree programme in security management.

Captain Ulett will continue to serve SAL in a consultancy role until December.

"His keen sense of humour, jovial disposition and dependability will be missed by all," Stephenson concluded.