Oral history of the Malta Dockyard: Salvu Sant

Education-Apprenticeship process

(00:30) He entered the dockyard as an apprentice. He recalls about 1000 people sitting for the written examination whereby only 137 people were accepted from such entry. It resulted that he came joint-second with another applicant, making him the highest ranked apprentice in the electrical sector from his group.

Education-Apprenticeship process

(01:45) Initially, he was sent to the training centre that was at Parlatorio Wharf and was later on shifted to No.1 dock. He spent some time working at the main electrical shop and at the electronics. Later on, he found himself working at the afloat with Joe Scicluna as his instructor.

Education-Apprenticeship process

(02:15) After three months, he was called to the drawing office as he was one of the few who were chosen to go abroad to England by means of the equal opportunity scheme. He was given this opportunity because he had continued with his studies and proved to be successful. The electricians were sent to Chatham.

(03:00) He finished his apprenticeship at the dockyard at the electrical division and eventually started as a journeyman.

(03:30) A safety department was created by English officers and he was chosen to take part of the department with Tommy Seychell being selected as the Head.

(04:15) The last role he took was that of Liaison Officer with the Commercial Division under Manuel Formosa. He retired of age in 1997. During his time at the dockyard, he also held the role of a shop steward at the General Workers Union.

Education-Apprenticeship process

(05:00) He mentions that the apprenticeship lasted for a term of six years whereby every four months positions were changed and every year examinations were held. He said that although many entered (137), only a handful amount finished the fourth year (16).

(05:30) The dockyard school was managed by Navy Officials and had better equipment than University at that time.

 

(06:15) He mentions some people who worked in the dockyard who eventually became important such as is-Sur Laurie Ciantar who was the Head of the Electricity Board and Joe Grima who was a very successful engineer.

(06:45) He recalls during the year 1971, when there was a change in government leadership, there was a shortage of trades (snajja, singular: sengha) and this affected negatively the dockyard. 

(07:00) He recalls an apprentice from his same entry, Joe Mallia, going to work as a missionary in Peru and many others going abroad to Australia.

Trade Union-Memories of particular related events

(07:45) In 1975, Shipyard Council was formed for the first time to which he contested and was elected for two terms while receiving the most votes. 

(08:15) He recalls the incident of a buoy (this is a special buoy (baga) with an approximate diameter of 11 m used for loading/unloading oil) in No.1 Dock occurring during one of the meetings held by Shipyard Council (il-kunsill tat-tarzna). As a safety officer, he recalls saving a person by performing mouth-to-mouth CPR and also rescuing a worker who accidentally fell into a tank full of oil.

(09:45) He describes the work he had as a liaison officer working with the General Manager John Calleja and the Commercial managers. He used to meet all visitors at the shipyard. He recounts various episodes with Owners’ representatives (superintendents). The importance of the relations with the shipyard clients.

(14:30) He also recalls a good friend, Carmelo Baldacchino, who worked in the shipyard and was an expert in engineering, especially on turbines. Also worked on submarines in the No.1 Dock area.

Trade Union-Strikes

(18:00) Whoever was an apprentice used to sign a document stating that they cannot participate in a strike. He recalls observing a strike occur during his apprenticeship whereby all apprentices were gathered in No.1 Dock area and made a ruckus as they were left alone in the dockyard.

(18:30) There were very serious disorders, when the shipyard from transferred from the Admiralty to Baileys. There was a fire engine pushed into the No.4 Dock, and there were various arrests, and some had to leave the dockyard.

(21:30) Back in the 1970s, the dockyard maintained a steady commercial balance with Germany. The deputy chairman of Krupps was sent to visit Malta’s dockyard to give his advice.

Trade Union-Strikes

(27:30) In order for dockyard workers to get a raise, they would strike for a week or two and during that time they would earn no wage. After it is accepted that they are to be given a raise, such raise is awarded to everyone and not only to those who participated in the strike.