André Cordier (France)

Born in Aug 1938 in Saint Nazaire. After secondary school, I joined the National Merchant Marine School in Nantes, got second class R/O ticket in 1957, 6 months at sea as cadet then R/O o/b T2 tanker Fina Portugal/FPZK (ex Grand Teton), 18 months of military service (compulsory at this time in France), 1st class R/O ticket in 1963. Since then worked all the time for Fina France Cy either as R/O or Electronician Officer on automated tankers. This Cy owned up to 6 ships in 1975, unfortunately sold one after the other since then until 1990. Passed Ham Radio licence in 1979 (c/s F6GIN). In 1990, Fina France sold the last remaining ship “Fina Italie/FNVT”. After that I got back to National Maritime School in Nantes, city where I have been living (but as a teacher that time). In 1994 joined UNHCR as telecoms consultant for various missions in Guatemala, Mexico, West and East Africa. I enjoyed this period of time very much. In 1996, the maritime school in Nantes asked me to come back as instructor for the new GMDSS Radio Simulator. My wife asked me to accept the proposal, I should say she insisted! Retired in 2002, although last year I gave a hand to a maritime lyceum where a friend of mine is lecturing. It was interesting for a short period, but now I definitely prefer to take advantage of my retirement. Time is passing by so rapidly! However I miss the open sea. Hope to meet you during radiomaritime days. Will be active all bands. 73/88 to all of you. André Cordier