Port Profiles: Peter Ritchie
Meet Peter Ritchie, a member of Port of Aberdeen's Marine Support Staff (MSS) team who joined the port in July 2024.
From Sea Cadet to Sea Herald
With decades of marine experience behind him, Peter now plays a key role in keeping Port of Aberdeen running safely and smoothly, whatever the weather. As a member of the MSS team, Peter’s day-to-day work is varied but always vital. A key part of his role involves operating the Sea Herald – the port’s hard-working multi-purpose vessel – carrying out important survey and bed levelling work to ensure safe and accessible depths for the many vessels that call into port each day.
Peter is also part of the Pilot Cutter team, helping maintain 24/7 operations 365 days of the year. Having completed the training matrix, he’s now signed off as a Cutter Coxswain – a role that demands skill, experience, and constant awareness of the busy marine environment.
Navigating the port’s vessels is no small task, particularly in such a busy environment. Peter says maintaining focus and being aware of other vessels is essential to keeping everyone safe and ensuring smooth operations. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously, but also one he finds deeply rewarding.
Peter also plays an important role in supporting employee wellbeing across the organisation as one of the port’s 12 trained Mental Health First Aiders. Passionate about raising awareness and reducing the stigma, he’s particularly focused on supporting men’s mental health, encouraging his colleagues to speak up and seek support when they need it.
A career inspired by The Tall Ships
Although firefighting was his dream job as a child, Peter says working on the water has always felt like the right fit. His journey into maritime began after the first Tall Ships Races visited Aberdeen in 1991. That experience is what sparked Peter’s passion for the sea, and soon after, he joined the Sea Cadets. This was a path that set the course for his future career.
Prior to joining the port, Peter spent over a decade working offshore on vessels supporting the oil and gas sector, before transitioning into marine training. For 14 years, he trained crews for the very jobs he’d once done himself, until the right opportunity arose to return to life on the water at Port of Aberdeen.
A lifelong love of the sea
Peter values how every day brings something new, even when the tasks remain familiar, and describes the port as a diverse, community-focused, and supportive place to work. He’s also grateful for the personal development opportunities the port offers, especially the training that supports evolving legislation and safety standards. Peter is currently working towards further certifications in line with updates to the Pilot Boat and Work Boat Code.
Having only joined the port within the past year, Peter’s advice for anyone new to the team would be don’t be afraid to ask questions. Although there’s a lot to learn, there will always be someone willing to help you find your feet and support you when needed.
Life out of the water
Outside of work, Peter is a proud family man, spending most of his time with his partner, two daughters, and their dog Tank. Peter and his nine-year-old daughter are also avid football fans, recently celebrating a huge win together as Aberdeen Football Club lifted the Scottish Cup where they were in the stands for the winning moment!
Peter’s also a time-served volunteer and has been involved with Sea Cadets Aberdeen since 1992, where he currently holds the position of Commanding Officer. It’s a cause close to his heart, and one he continues to support passionately.
