The name of Edward Middleton Stowe has been synonymous with Bermuda’s proud maritime history for nearly a century.

Two generations of the Stowe family — both named Edward Middleton Stowe — have put nearly 75 years of hard graft and committed service into the engine rooms of numerous Marine and Ports vessels.

Now it is the turn of Edward Middleton Stowe IV to earn his spurs and follow in the illustrious footsteps of his great-grandfather Edward Stowe Senior and his grandfather Edward Stowe Junior. Mr Stowe Sr put in 53 years service after returning from the First World War in 1920, while his son worked for Marine and Ports for 21 years. Such was the contribution of the father and son the department named a tug boat after the pair. The old Edward M Stowe is still in service today up at Dockyard and reminds the youngest Stowe of the responsibility that comes with his name.

The 28-year-old told The Royal Gazette: “I always loved the water and fishing growing up, and I always hoped to follow in their footsteps.

“It was a special honour for me to work on the Edward M Stowe while I was working my way up the ladder.

“A lot of responsibility comes with the name. I’m not only carrying the name, I’m carrying a legacy and I have to remind myself that I need to be the best I can be for that reason.”

Mr Stowe started working for Marine and Ports in 2004 at the age of 18 after completing a maritime operations course in Barbados thanks to a scholarship with the National Training Board.

In his ten years he has moved up the ranks from leading seaman to boatswain’s mate and senior pilot, while adding a further decade’s service to the 75 years his grandfather and great-grandfather gave to the same cause.

His cousin Che Stowe also works for Marine and Ports and is based in St George.

“I have been able to take advantage of some great opportunities during my time at Marine and Ports, I was on the Spirit of Bermuda’s maiden journey from Maine back to Bermuda,” said Mr Stowe.

“I have received my diesel engine driver’s licence, my sea class pilot’s licence and bridge resource management certificate.

“In 2014 I went to college in Prince Edward Island and achieved my bridge watch rating qualification.

“I have tried to keep pushing myself over the last ten years and striving to achieve as much as I can.

“Earlier this year I was part of a seven-strong crew that took the tug Faithful to Jacksonville for a refit and then brought her back, and just this summer I was back in Canada again carrying out simulation courses on the latest tug boats.”

Mr Stowe’s ultimate aim is to become a tug boat pilot, but he also harbours dreams of running his own marine business and opening a restaurant serving traditional Bermudian cuisine.

“I’ve tried to keep moving forward and progressing over the last ten years. It’s important to take the initiative yourself and make things happen,” he added. “Don’t be afraid to stand by yourself.”