CAPTAIN Ian McNaught, one of Southampton’s most highly respected master mariners, has been elected to the prestigious role of Deputy Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, the organisation which maintains safety in Britain’s waters.

Previously in command of Southampton’s legendary liner Queen Elizabeth 2, Captain McNaught was also sworn in as executive chairman of the Lighthouse Authority.

Captain McNaught said: “Having spent nearly 40 years at sea, my election as Deputy Master of Trinity House is the pinnacle of a successful career.

“It provides me with an opportunity to lead the principal maritime fraternity and institution in the country for the benefit of Maritime Britain, the shipping industry, and all the seagoing community.

“There is, I believe, no greater opportunity than this to use all my maritime experience and expertise gathered during my career at sea”.

In his position with the Lighthouse Authority, Captain McNaught will lead an organisation responsible for the safe navigation of some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Trinity House is also a pioneer of research into new technologies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the aids to navigation it provides.

As Deputy Master of the Corporation of Trinity House he will be responsible for the activities of the UK’s largest endowed maritime charity.

Captain McNaught has 40 years’ maritime experience, most recently serving as master with Seabourn Cruises.

He has been an employee of Cunard, owner of some of the most famous cruise liners in the world, since 1987 when he joined QE2 as a second officer.

Captain McNaught rapidly rose through the ranks and was master of cruise ship Sea Goddess 1, and held command of QE2 until the vessel was paid off in November, 2008.

Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England and Wales, with responsibility for nearly 600 aids to navigation.

In addition, it inspects more than 10,000 local navigational aids provided by port and harbour authorities, and those positioned offshore.

Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1514, the corporation is also a major maritime charity. It spends around £4m each year on its charitable activities, including the welfare of mariners, education and training, and the promotion of safety at sea.