AT the age of 17 Jimmie Lochhead left his home in Southampton and went to sea. More than four decades later he is still roaming the oceans of the world and is widely known as one of shipping's great characters.

Now aged 60 Jimmie can look back on a career that has included some of the greatest vessels ever to have been built including Franconia, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 2.

Jimmie is chief steward on board the ultra-luxurious SeaDream I, which at just 4,260 tons could be classed more of a private motor yacht when compared to the vast superliners which are increasingly entering service these days.

SeaDream I, formerly known as Sea Goddess I when operated by Cunard, together with her sister ship SeaDream II, is one of the cruising industry's most exclusive ships and caters solely for the top end of the market.

Spending the summer in the small, chic destinations of the Mediterranean and then moving to the Caribbean for the winter, SeaDream I appeals to those looking for top-of-the-range surroundings, discreet and impeccable service and a quiet, undisturbed voyage.

Although this specialist, niche sector is relatively small within cruising these days it is one of the most successful in the industry with SeaDream I in constant demand for charter by some of the biggest global commercial names.

As chief steward, with a staff of 29, it is Jimmie's job to make sure that this is exactly what is delivered to SeaDream I's relatively small number of discerning passengers.

Jimmie has been with the ship ever since it first entered service after leaving the Finnish shipbuilder's yard in April, 1984.

"When I saw her still being built in the yard I knew this ship was going to be special and I am please to say I was right as I have never looked back since the day I first stepped on board,'' said Jimmie.

Before joining the ship Jimmie, who is well known in Southampton's seagoing community of working and retired seamen, served with the old Royal Viking Line, Swedish America Line, Norwegian America Line and Cunard.

"We have some wonderful passengers on SeaDream. Over the years I have seen President Gerald Ford, Lord Lichfield, Roger Moore, Gene Hackman, Donald Trump. Sir Cliff Richard even chartered the whole ship for his sixtieth birthday,'' said Jimmie, who was born in Denzil Avenue, Southampton.

"We have royalty, industrialists, singers, they all come on board and everyone is delightful and of course the atmosphere is constantly changing as our guests, many of whom come back time and time again, arrive and depart.''