A love for the ocean and the challenges their jobs bring while working at Marine & Ports are the reasons so many of its employees have remained there for so long.

Marine & Ports Services presented long service awards to 18 of their employees at a reception on Tuesday.

Pins and certificates were handed out by Minister of Transport the Hon. Mr.

Maxwell Burgess to those who had worked in the department from 10 to 25 years.

Marine foreman Mr. Jerome Robinson, who has been with the department for 25 years, said he started working in 1969 in ferry services and was later promoted to work in Dockyard aboard the tug Powerful as leading seaman.

And now, a few promotions later, Mr. Robinson is responsible for some 30 staff and all tugs and tenders in Dockyard.

"We are doing something different every day and I love my work. You have to love it in order to be here for 25 years,'' Mr. Robinson said.

Mr. Burton Ingham, who has also worked at Marine & Ports for 25 years, began as a junior ferry pilot in 1969.

"I later became a tug and tender pilot and then a relief pilot for all tugs and tenders.'' Mr. Ingham added that he is the man responsible for escorting or giving tug assistance to visiting cruise ships entering Bermuda's harbours.

"I love the water and my job,'' he said. "I look forward to going to work every morning.

"It's a lot of work and sometimes it can be stressful.'' Harbour Radio officer and Rescue Coordination Centre controller Mr. Timothy Winkelmann has worked for Marine & Ports for 10 years.

"Our job is probably one of the unique operations of its kind in the world.

It's a variety and a challenge every day,'' he said.

Mr. Winkelmann added: "I like my job because it's so rewarding. I remember one day on May 24 in the early 1980s. It was very hectic.

"Wind came up unexpectedly and there were a lot of high seas. There was also drama throughout the Island, with boats still in the water and people who had gone swimming. It was nice when everything calmed down and everyone was safe and located.'' He added that working for the Marine & Ports is truly an enjoyable job.

During the reception, department director Mr. Ron Ross said to the group: "Your dedication is very important to the department.'' Honoured for 10 years of service were: Marine Services operator Mr. Ronald Boys, administrative assistant Ms Kimberley Cann, engine driver Mr. Stephen Fuhrtz, Harbour Radio officer Mr. Joe Pagnam, senior ferry pilot Mr. Osdel Simmons, senior accounts clerk Mr. Davida Simons, junior ferry pilot Mr.

Darren Swan and engine driver Mr. Paul Wellman.

The Department recognised employees of 15 years. They included senior marine services operator Mr. Michael Dolding, coxswain Mr. Errol Minors, 1st class branch pilot Mr. Mario Thompson, bosun mate Mr. Randolph Smith, leading seaman Mr. Ralph Wade, secretary Ms Pamela Wilkinson, and radio officer Mr. Timothy Winkelmann.

Marking 20 years of service was engine driver Mr. Noel Butterfield. Tender relief pilot Mr. Burton Ingham and marine foreman Mr. Jerome Robinson were recognised for 25 years of service.

LONG SERVICE -- These three recipients of the Marine and Ports long-service awards have together put 60 years into the department. Pictured, from left, are Mr. Jerome Robinson, Mr. Timothy Winkelmann, and Mr. Burton Ingham.