Death of Lt Cdr Stephen ‘Steamy’ Harvey Window RN/RNR
Steamy Window enjoying one of his favourite pursuits
9 Apr 2025 - MCDOA member Jim Nisbet has passed me the sad news that Steamy Window crossed the bar on Monday 7 April, after a period of illness which he dealt with courageously and in his own inimitable style. He was 61.
Steamy and Jim Nisbet with the Vernon Mine Warfare & Diving Monument in November 2022
Steamy was born on 20 September 1963 and attended Finchley Catholic High School before joining the Royal Navy at BRNC Dartmouth in September 1982. Immediately after leaving the RN in January 2003, he joined the RNR in which he continued to serve, while attached to HMS KING ALFRED, until October of 2023.
After leaving Dartmouth in 1984, Steamy served in HM Ships SOBERTON, SWIFT, DANAE, BLACKWATER, ARIADNE and SHETLAND before qualifying as an MCD officer, initially on LMCDO 90A, in February 1991. He went on to serve in HM Ships INVERNESS and CARDIFF as well as having appointments with DNO, FOST (Flag Officer Sea Training) and DDS (Defence Diving School). He was also the Commander of Portland Port as the Queen’s Harbourmaster.
In 2013, Steamy gained an MSc in Leadership & Management, with a Distinction, from the University of Portsmouth. He had already acquired a Cert Ed from Portsmouth University and a BA in Leadership & Management from the Open University among several other academic qualifications.
After leaving the RN, Steamy developed a passion for teaching and sharing the knowledge he had gained throughout his naval career. He held posts in several maritime companies and organisations, including Warsash Maritime Academy where he was Head of Simulation. He was installed as a Liveryman of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners in 2018 and was a "Younger Brother" of Trinity House on the board of the Maritime Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP).
Steamy after being installed as a Liveryman of the Honorable Company of Master Mariners in February 2018
Steamy’s last job was as Head of the Nautical Institute’s Academy until illness forced his retirement in January this year. MCDOA Committee member Graham ‘Tug’ Wilson has informed me that he and fellow MCDOA member Mick Beale enjoyed a pint with Steamy not that long ago. He has kindly provided this photo of them together.
I am sure all members of our community will join me in extending our heartfelt condolences to Steamy’s wife Nikki and his daughters Stephanie and Emily, the latter recently having joined the RNR.
It is expected that Steamy’s funeral will be held in the Portsmouth area. Details will be published when available.