Thomas Jeffery
Operations Superintendent - Stevedoring
Service at the Ports: Thomas Jeffery
At a young age, Thomas began his journey with Steamships at the old wharf in Port Moresby. ‘During that time, the port services were employing casuals – [things were not like how they are today], if there was a job that needed to be done, then they would hire casuals for labour. My father was employed with the ports, so naturally I followed and helped around wherever I could.’
“Starting as a casual and understanding the stevedoring operations from a third world perspective, I was faced with a multitude of difficulties. Events that initiated a positive change to my professional development.”
I am grateful to have grown up in a family of seafarers,’ he adds, ‘my family background has had a great influence on me. Since I was a boy, I have always wanted to be in this field. For me to be employed by Joint Venture Port Services is like a family legacy because my father was also employed by Steamships port services, I am now employed with JVPS and I will continue to remain with the company. I am working my way to be a professional trainer in the field of stevedoring and to eventually become a Port Manager.’
As the Operations Superintendent – Stevedoring, his responsibilities include: running trainings for forklifts, cranes and ITV Training, vessel operations, vessel planning & heavy lifts. His role has also brought him to numerous parts of the nation for specialised lifts. ‘My current position has enabled me to see different parts of our country Papua New Guinea. Some of the places I have visited include Madang, Alotau ,Kiunga, Kimbe, Lae and Oro Bay,’ says Thomas.