Nautilus International remembers David Dearsley, a man whose influence on the international maritime industry reached far beyond boardrooms and negotiating tables, and whose character left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Dearsley served as a shipowners’ representative at the highest levels of international maritime dialogue. He played an important role in the establishment of the Maritime Labour Convention and in the development of the International Bargaining Forum with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). These were not easy arenas. They demanded intelligence, resilience, patience, and above all, integrity. Dearsley brought all of these qualities in abundance.
He understood that maritime industrial relations were never simply about contracts, clauses or compliance. At their heart, they were about people, the seafarers who keep global trade moving, and the responsibility to find balance between the different interests across the industry. Dearsley approached this responsibility with seriousness and professionalism, but also with humanity. He listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully and never lost sight of the bigger picture.
Those who negotiated with him knew that they were dealing with someone principled and prepared. He was firm when he needed to be, but he was always fair. He believed in process. He believed in dialogue and he believed that lasting solutions were built through mutual respect and understanding.
Dearsley’s contribution helped shape the framework that protects seafarers and underpins the industry today. His work will continue to have an impact for many years to come, even as ships sail on and new generations step into the roles he once held.
General Secretary of Nautilus International and Vice-Chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section Mark Dickinson said: 'I worked with David at ISF when I graduated from university in 1986. After a year, I joined ITF, which caused a few ripples, but David and I continued a close working relationship and friendship as I later became secretary of the ILO seafarers’ group and he continued as secretary of the shipowners group.
'We collaborated and strategised over the years, and as is now well known we enjoyed many curries in the Halal in Aldgate where much of this dialogue took place, where ideas that later became the MLC and IBF first emerged. David was the crucial advocate, with a keen eye on the strategy and the importance of employer and union dialogue. He will be missed, as a giant of the shipping industry.'
Beyond his professional achievements, Dearsley will be remembered for who he was as a person. He brought calm to difficult discussions, perspective when tensions ran high, and a quiet confidence that reassured those around him. He was a representative who carried his responsibilities with dignity and a person whose presence made a difference.
His passing is a great loss to the maritime community. He leaves behind not only a professional legacy, but also the respect and appreciation of those who worked with him, learned from him and shared in the important work he helped advance.
We honour Dearsley not only for what he did, but for how he did it, with integrity, professionalism, and respect for others. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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