From ratings to officers – part II : Gozitan seafarers who achieved certificates through education between the early 19th century and the Second World War

Abstract

Introduction: In Part One we saw how Gozo had approximately 116 Padroni, or Master Mariners of the Third Class, during the period between 1813 and 1907. We were introduced to two of such Padroni who were highly decorated for numerous rescues they performed at sea – Chev. Luigi Aquilina and Chev. Joseph Camilleri. Compared to the 116 Masters of the Third Class, only five Gozitan seafarers went on to achieve the Chief Mate and Master Mariner of the Second Class certificates. These were Capt. Salvatore Pisani, Capt. Giuseppe Pisani, Capt. Giovanni Xuereb, Capt. Giovanni Pisani and Capt. Andrea Camilleri, my great-grandfather. Between 1875 and 1923 they were the highest certified Gozitan Deck Officers. Capt. Giovanni Pisani and Capt. Andrea Camilleri were also the only Gozitan Master Mariners to be in command of a foreign-going British merchant ship during the First World War.