Today the International Transport Workers’ Federation 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.
David 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 ITF. These were not easy arenas. They demanded intelligence, resilience, patience, and above all, integrity. David 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. David 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.
David’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.
Paying tribute to David, ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said: “I have known David Dearsley since the early 90s. Already at that stage, he was the recognised leader of progressive thought when it came to engaging in maritime industrial relations. Having bargained with him, he was a tough negotiator, a master wordsmith, and a man who held honesty and fairness at the top of the social dialogue process.
“For over three decades, his vision showed that real outcomes can be achieved through serious and professional negotiations. Whether it was his role at the ISF at the beginning of the formation of the Maritime Labour Convention or the establishment of the International Bargaining Forum, David was a person that once you'd finished your tough negotiations, you knew he would stick to the deal and work with you to implement it. From all of his friends and colleagues at the ITF, he will be sorely missed and truly appreciated for his contribution to the maritime industry.”
Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International and Vice-Chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section 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.”
Simon Spacey, Chairman of the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) added: “Above all else David was a humble man who never sought the limelight, but I am sure that he would be pleased to see that as Chairman of IMEC I have been invited to pay tribute to our former Secretary General, alongside our social partners at the ITF with whom David worked so hard and passionately with to improve safe working conditions and the welfare of seafarers worldwide.
“Certainly, he was one of the visionaries that created both the concept of the IBF and the MLC and was one of the key architects that made those visions a reality. He knew that the parties would never agree on everything, and that in some areas never could, but he believed very strongly in the partnership as a whole and the results speak for themselves. Always calm but focused, he was highly respected by everyone that knew him on both sides of the negotiation table. He leaves behind no enemies but many, many friends. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Beyond his professional achievements, David 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.
Today, we honour David not only for what he did, but for how he did it, with integrity, professionalism, and respect for others. We extend our condolences to David’s family, friends and colleagues.
He will be deeply missed, and he will not be forgotten.
