AFTER a working life spent ruling the ocean waves, Peter Booth is about to say goodbye to one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

Poole's well-known harbour master is retiring at the end of March after 11 years' enjoyment of a job he nearly didn't apply for.

The former Queen's Harbour Master at Portsmouth had been used to dealing with aircraft carriers and cross-Channel ferries before he retired from the Royal Navy after 36 years.

"I had turned down a couple of jobs and I was on a skiing holiday when a friend, a harbour master, said I was a fool not going for Poole. I put in a late application and was very, very lucky to get an interview and be appointed to the job," he said.

"Once I got into it I fell in love with it. The harbour is beautiful."

There has been barely a dull moment in a huge harbour with cargo and cross-Channel ferry traffic, yachts and leisure users, and 450 buoys and navigation aids to look after for the Scotsman who joined the Royal Navy as an officer cadet from school.

He commanded three of the 20 ships in which he served and was a specialist warfare and navigation officer. His last ship was the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible and among other jobs he commanded the Naval Squadron in Hong Kong and worked at the MoD, advising ministers on the rules of naval engagement.

He admits he had to learn some diplomatic skills and the importance of consultation.

"My first task was a real baptism of fire," he recalled. His introduction to the controversial Poole Quay Boat Haven was representing Poole Harbour Commission-ers at the planning committee, two weeks into his job.

"It is not a blot on the landscape," he said. "It gives a much needed visitors an amenity for yachtsmen and a proper home for fishermen."

With eight vessels and 16 staff to look after, he is proud to offer a 24-hour tug service and 24-hour pilot service at 30 minutes notice throughout the year.

He is retiring at a time with port expansion plans on the horizon and the second harbour crossing still to come, and the father of three and grandfather of three will be spending more time at his Wareham home with wife Isabel.

"There are a huge number of things I am going to miss," he said.

"I would like to think I have put a bit of colour into the harbour."