Was he born in Portsmouth?S_L
I was about to post the same thing. I agree about the badge. I wondered whether he was a port pilot. However, crown and anchor badge points towards Royal Navy. At the same time, the jacket does not look like RN quality.Added: I have a vague memory that ships pilots belonged/belong to Trinity House, an organisation under the Admiralty. Just a thought.
It would appear to be a Merchant Navy cap badge, no rope around anchor. Royal Navy cap badge is a fouled anchor, rope twisting around anchor.John915