Few people can have given more to their community or to saving lives at sea than Falmouth Harbour’s newly appointed Commissioner Dave Nicoll, who joins the Harbour Board in January.
Dave will take up the position on the departure of another highly respected Commissioner, Andrew Williams, who steps down amid huge thanks for his seven years shaping strategy, governance and future prosperity for the Harbour.
Falmouth-born Dave Nicoll’s love of the sea and coast has led to a lifetime’s commitment to the RNLI – taking part in over 1,000 shouts and where he currently serves as one of the Falmouth station’s Coxswains and Navigators on the All Weather Lifeboat.
Qualifying as a Civil Engineer specialising in marine construction, and a commercial diver, he worked on many coastal projects before moving into the water industry.
2001 saw a significant career change into the charity sector – working as well as volunteering for the RNLI. Today he is the Institution’s Fundraising & Partnership Lead, working with businesses and organisations across the South West to support the charity’s lifesaving work.
Dave was also a school governor for many years in Falmouth primary and secondary schools and is closely involved in managing local events including the RNLI Castle to Castle Swim, Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival and Falmouth Regatta Week. In June 2024 he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to maritime safety.
Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden says, “Dave is Falmouth through and through. His lifelong commitment to the sea, his dedicated service to the Falmouth Lifeboat and his deep roots in the wider local community bring a wealth of experience to our Board. He understands the Harbour, its people and its importance to Falmouth and I am delighted to welcome him as a Commissioner and look forward to working with him.”
For more than 150 years Falmouth Harbour as a Trust Port has managed the 3rd deepest natural harbour in the world, strategically placed on the UK’s Western approaches.
The 7-strong Board of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners – working with 35 colleagues in the wider Falmouth Harbour team – cover the operation of Falmouth Harbour, Falmouth Haven and Falmouth Pilot Services.
The Commissioners bring wide-ranging skills in maritime, people management and development, business and environmental best practice – all at their highest levels – to the Falmouth Harbour Board.
Dave Nicoll says, “Much of my life has been spent either in, on or under the waters of Falmouth Harbour so it’s a real privilege to be appointed a Commissioner for Falmouth Harbour and to represent both the recreational and commercial users of our amazing waters. Trust Ports such as Falmouth have a unique role to play in the maintenance and development of the port for the benefit of all – and I hope by working with all our local stakeholders we can ensure the sustainable future of our port for many years to come.”
Outgoing Commissioner Andrew Williams has brought extensive business and management expertise to his seven years on the Board. During this time he helped form and implement important changes to the Harbour’s management structure by splitting the most senior role in two: a CEO to take charge of growth and strategy for the Trust Port and a Harbour Master in charge of operations on the water.
CEO Miles Carden says, “Andrew’s financial expertise and sound judgement have been invaluable in shaping Falmouth Harbour’s long-term financial resilience. As Chair of our People and Remuneration Committee, he has also played a key role in making Falmouth Harbour an awarding winning employer of choice. His contribution over seven years has been tremendous and he has been a pleasure to work with.”
Andrew Williams says, “It has been a fascinating and highly rewarding journey – seeing through important changes in how this incredible Harbour is operated, how it can grow and how it evolves in the interests of everyone. The Harbour’s plans for the future are exciting and it’s been a privilege to be an integral part of the process. It’s great knowing, as I leave, that it’s in a sound and optimistic place.”
Andrew’s public commitments continue through his work as Deputy Lieutenant, with the Country Land and Business Association and most recently with the Cornish Pirates new Foundation which aims to improve lives across Cornwall through the values of rugby.
For all information about Falmouth Harbour’s work and environmental initiatives, its Harbour team, Commissioners, Falmouth Haven and Pilot Services visit www.falmouthharbour.co.uk
