Ep46: Richard Jones - Naval Engineer and Author

Today I'm speaking with Richard Jones — Royal Navy weapons engineer by day and one of Britain’s most prolific shipwreck and disaster historians by night. Richard shares how a lifelong fascination with maritime disasters turned into nearly three decades of research, 27+ published books, and multiple memorial campaigns honouring forgotten tragedies.

The conversation dives into shipwrecks, air disasters, historical myths, and the emotional weight of researching real loss. Richard explains why he focuses on overlooked stories, how social media transformed historical research, and why he believes history belongs to everyone — not locked away in private archives. From Costa Concordia to lost wartime ships, this episode explores the thin line between human error, hubris, and remembrance.

Key Takeaways

History isn’t owned — it’s shared. Richard’s mission is to preserve forgotten disasters before their stories disappear forever.

Research is part detective work. Separating myth from fact often takes years of interviews, archives, and firsthand accounts.

Modern tech changed everything. Social media now connects historians directly with survivors, families, and rare evidence.

Memorials matter. For families, plaques and books can provide long-overdue closure and public recognition.

Human error repeats itself. From Titanic to Titan, lessons at sea are often ignored — with tragic results.

Respect over sensationalism. Some truths don’t need to be published to honor the people involved.

https://shipwreckdata.wixsite.com/richard-m-jones

https://bsky.app/profile/wreckmasterjay.bsky.social

https://disasters-shipwrecks.blogspot.com

⏱️ YouTube Chapters (01:08:27)

00:00 – Welcome Aboard Deck Tales

Setting the scene: life at sea, disasters, and forgotten stories

04:12 – From Navy Engineer to Shipwreck Historian

How Richard Jones balances classified work with disaster research

09:35 – Why Most Tragedies Are Forgotten

Media bias, death tolls, and how history chooses what survives

15:48 – Shipwreck Myths vs Reality

Separating fact from fiction in maritime disasters

21:32 – The Human Cost of Disaster Research

The unseen emotional toll of studying real loss

28:10 – When Research Brings Families Closure

Memorials, survivors, and why remembrance matters

35:04 – Titanic, Titan & Repeating Mistakes

Why maritime disasters keep happening — again and again

41:22 – The Survivors Who Defied the Odds

Rafts, wartime sinkings, and impossible survival stories

48:05 – The Worst Captains in History

Ego, negligence, and decisions that doomed thousands

54:18 – The Biggest Shipwreck Conspiracies Debunked

The Titanic switch theory and other myths destroyed

01:01:10 – Beyond Titanic: Why These Stories Matter

Legacy, memory, and preserving history before it’s lost

#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories

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And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

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Ep45: Zamira Chevrestt - Volunteer Co-ordinator for In The Same Boat

Today I'm joined by Zamira, a volunteer coordinator and sustainability ambassador for the Norwegian environmental NGO In The Same Boat. Zamira shares what it’s really like cleaning marine litter along some of the most remote and unforgiving coastlines in the Arctic and Northern Europe — from freezing North Sea crossings to hauling tons of abandoned fishing gear off rocky beaches.

The conversation dives into how the NGO operates its fleet of sailboats, trains volunteers with little to no sailing experience, and balances hands-on cleanup with education, data collection, and systemic change. Zamira also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of life at sea, burnout in the NGO world, and why staying hopeful — and human — is essential when tackling an overwhelming global problem.

🌊 Key Takeaways

The Arctic is heavily polluted — even the most remote coastlines are clogged with marine litter, especially from fishing industries.

Cleaning is only part of the solution — education, data tracking, and collaboration with industries and governments are critical for long-term impact.

Volunteers don’t need sailing experience — just resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.

Life at sea is intense — physically demanding, emotionally charged, and deeply bonding.

Burnout is real in environmental work — stepping back, finding joy, and focusing on small wins keeps people going.

Individual actions still matter — change spreads person to person, habit to habit.

📌 Chapters (01:07:57)

01:38 – Meet Zamira & “In The Same Boat”

Cleaning the Arctic, sailing north, and teaching kids why the ocean isn’t a bin

04:10 – Volunteering at Sea: Who Can Join & What It’s Really Like

No sailing experience, extreme conditions, and physical demands

06:02 – Crossing the North Sea & Surviving Rough Waters

Seasickness, storms, fear, dolphins, and why sailors keep coming back

09:50 – How an Arctic Cleanup NGO Actually Works

Funding struggles, boats, tech, volunteers, and scaling impact

12:40 – First Cleanup Shock: “I’d Never Seen This Much Trash”

The myth of “clean” Norway and what shows up on remote beaches

16:25 – A Day in the Life of a Marine Cleanup Crew

12-hour days, midnight sun cleanups, weather chaos, and logistics

20:35 – One Million+ KG of Trash & Tracking the Data

GPS mapping, fishing nets, hotspots, and working with industry

28:15 – Burnout, Boat Life & Being ‘In the Same Boat’

Mental health, friendships, drama, romance, and volunteer reality

35:35 – Plastic, Wildlife & The Stats That Hurt

Seabirds, whales, microplastics, and why this is urgent

41:00 – Schools, Hope & Why the Next Generation Matters

Teaching kids, community impact, staying hopeful, and what you can do

52:30 – Boat Life Fun: Initiations, Food Fails & Reality TV Energy

Ghost pepper shots, porridge crimes, and why this should be a show

01:01:30 – Final Reflections: Why This Work Is Worth It

Small wins, real change, and not giving up on the ocean

To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:

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For all links you can head to the official website:

https://www.decktales.co.uk

If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:

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And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Special Thanks To:

Zamira Chevrestt

https://www.inthesameboat.eco

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

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Ep44: Anthony Cummins AKA Captain Tonz

Today I'm in talks with Captain Tonz — a real-life pirate with over 65 years at sea — to dismantle everything we think we know about piracy. From surviving rogue waves as a teenager to smuggling camels, outwitting the Royal Navy, and acting as a guardian of the ocean, Captain Tonz shares a life shaped by instinct, equality, and a deep spiritual connection to the sea. This isn’t a tale of Hollywood piracy — it’s a raw, philosophical journey through freedom, responsibility, and what it truly means to “boldly go.”

Key Takeaways

Piracy isn’t what pop culture sells us: historically, pirates were explorers, innovators, and early champions of equality.

Connection beats control: Captain Tonz credits survival and success at sea to listening, not conquering.

The pirate code was radically progressive: equality, shared power, and respect were core principles.

Modern threats to the ocean are invisible: pollution, automation, and disconnection pose greater danger than storms.

Anyone can be a pirate — if they can connect, adapt, and take responsibility.

Chapters

00:00:00 — A Real Pirate Joins the Podcast

Meet Captain Tonz and the myth vs reality of piracy

00:04:42 — “Everything You Know About Pirates Is Wrong”

The true meaning of piracy and where the word comes from

00:09:05 — Running Away to Sea at 14

From troubled childhood to life aboard ships

00:14:18 — The Wave That Changed Everything

Surviving a rogue wave and finding purpose

00:19:52 — Becoming a Pirate by Accident

A master pirate, the Baltic Sea, and a life-altering choice

00:24:55 — Smuggling, Survival & Sea Instincts

Why piracy is about planning, not chaos

00:30:08 — Camels, Cargo & Breaking Records

The strangest things ever smuggled at sea

00:35:12 — Escaping the Royal Navy

Chains, hacksaw blades, and a Gibraltar breakout

00:40:18 — Pirate Code: Radical Equality at Sea

Why pirates were centuries ahead of their time

00:45:55 — Prison Cells & Close Calls

From East Germany to unexpected hospitality

00:51:02 — UFOs, Legends & Sea Mysteries

What sailors see that landlubbers never will

00:56:10 — Are Pirates the Guardians of the Ocean?

Pollution, responsibility, and protecting the sea

01:01:48 — Somali Pirates & The Truth Behind the Headlines

What really created modern piracy

01:08:32 — Stopping Environmental Crimes at Sea

When pirates enforced justice no one else would

01:14:55 — Who Can Be a Pirate?

Mental health, connection, and fearlessness

01:21:30 — Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry & Dream Crews

Casting pirates and Hollywood truth

01:28:45 — Pirates, AI & the Future of Navigation

Why modern sailors are losing vital skills

01:34:20 — Final Message from the Sea

A warning, a responsibility, and a call to act

https://captaintonz.com

https://www.originalpiratematerial.co.uk/

#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories

To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:

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For all links you can head to the official website:

https://www.decktales.co.uk

If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:

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And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

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Ep43: Sara Bisset - Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator

In this episode of Deck Tales, I'm chatting with Sara Bisset, a Scotland-based seafarer who’s spent the last decade working offshore as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator—basically, someone paid to protect whales and dolphins from noisy marine construction and exploration work. Sara breaks down how mitigation works during operations like seismic surveys, wind farm piling, and even disposal of unexploded WWII ordnance, and explains what happens when marine life enters an exclusion zone (spoiler: everything can stop, and it can cost a fortune).

Beyond the job, Sara shares the reality of freelance life at sea—project-to-project contracts, chasing agencies, and the strange feeling of having long stretches of freedom while everyone else works 9–5. She also dives into memorable wildlife encounters, like spotting an elusive beaked whale species, and living through near-constant humpback sightings off Gabon… right after forgetting her camera charger.

Key takeaways

What MMOs & PAM operators actually do: They visually and acoustically monitor for marine mammals during noisy offshore operations and can trigger delays/shutdowns depending on rules and location.

Big misconception: It’s not “watching whales for fun”—it’s compliance, mitigation, and high-stakes decision-making tied to permits, law, and massive costs.

The lifestyle is ultra-flexible… and oddly lonely: Freelancing means feast-or-famine contracts, lots of admin between jobs, and time off that doesn’t always sync with friends’ lives.

Best moments at sea are unforgettable: Rare beaked whale encounters and endless humpback sightings show why people get “itchy feet” to return offshore.

The industry is shifting: More wind farm work is replacing older oil & gas reliance, and remote monitoring tech (and AI) is slowly reshaping the job.

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

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Ep42: Rich Napolitano - Shipwrecks & Seadogs Podcast Host

In this episode of Deck Tales, we welcome maritime storyteller and podcaster Richard, creator of Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs.

From Florida’s stormy skies to centuries-old shipwrecks, Richard shares how a lifelong love of history evolved into a full-time podcast dedicated to maritime disasters, sea legends, and the people caught in between.

The conversation dives deep into what makes great nautical storytelling: meticulous research, narrative immersion, and respect for historical accuracy. Richard unpacks some of his most gripping stories — including the horrific mutiny and massacre following the wreck of the Batavia, and the rise and disappearance of legendary pirate Henry Every. Along the way, we explore the realities of piracy, the evolution of maritime law, and how history, music, and routine help sustain a creative life at sea.

Key Takeaways

Maritime history is about people, not just shipwrecks — power, greed, survival, and human choices drive every story.

Accuracy comes first: multiple primary sources, official reports, and firsthand accounts are essential to responsible storytelling.

The Batavia stands out as one of history’s most disturbing shipwreck stories, blending mutiny, ideology, and mass murder.

Henry Every’s raid helped bring the Golden Age of Piracy to an end and reshaped global attitudes toward pirates.

Creative sustainability matters — routine, music, and structure help avoid burnout when producing long-form narrative content.

You don’t need to be a professional sailor to tell sea stories — curiosity and rigor go a long way.

https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com

Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!

#seadogs #shipwrecks #podcastersunite #shipstories

To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:

Facebook:

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales

For all links you can head to the official website:

https://www.decktales.co.uk

If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:

https://ko-fi.com/decktales

And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Special Thanks To:

Lucy Southernon @CruisingAsCrew

Tom Hunt @teghunt

Dan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep41: Lucy Southerton - Former Crew, Now Cruise Content Creator

In this episode, we sit down with Lucy, a former cruise ship crew member turned cruise vlogger, who spent nearly a decade working across multiple cruise lines—from spa therapist to retail and brand ambassador—before transitioning to life on land and content creation at sea. Lucy shares the realities of ship life behind the scenes, the culture shock of leaving a highly structured environment, and how her insider perspective now shapes her honest cruise reviews. From awkward guest encounters and strict ship rules to pandemic chaos, celebrity sightings, and viral cruise controversies, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the highs, lows, and lessons of life at sea.

Key Takeaways

Life on cruise ships is intense, structured, and rewarding—but not sustainable forever for everyone.

Leaving ship life can feel like culture shock, similar to leaving other highly regimented careers.

Cruise lines vary hugely in culture, freedom, and attitudes toward social media.

Behind-the-scenes crew experiences are often far tougher than what passengers see.

Honest cruise content matters—even when companies don’t like the feedback.

You can turn niche, insider experience into a successful and fulfilling second career.

Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!

To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales

For all links you can head to the official website:

https://www.decktales.co.uk

If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:

https://ko-fi.com/decktales

And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Special Thanks To:

Lucy Southernon @CruisingAsCrew

Tom Hunt @teghunt

Dan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#40 We round out the end of season 2 with another star from the world of cruise content creation, Mr Gary Bembridge.

At the time of recording Gary has been on 124 cruises around the globe, and he has documented pretty much all of them.

His mission is to help make it easier for others to book their cruises, by shining an impartial light on what the different lines offer, and objectively weighing up all the pros and cons.

I learned all about his upbringing, his early career, how it set him up to succeed, and more!

Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!

I'm gonna take a break from posting for a while as I need to record and edit with a batch of new guests for the next series, and if you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the show, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

I hope it's nothing but smooth sailing for you all out there.

Ciao for now

Sam -x-

Recorded 19th June 2025

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

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My guest today is the wonderful Emma La Teace, or as she is perhaps better known across social media, Emma Cruises.

She started her own ship vlogging and blogging journey nearly a decade ago, and a post of hers regarding the charity Mercy Ships caught my attention, so I got in touch to learn more.

Alongside raising money for them with the help of a certain Captain Hudson, she has also been busy producing children's books, and recently just launched and co founded the company 'The Cruise Globe'

The Cruise Globe

It was great to be able to hear her story and how she got into cruising, and I'm so thankful not only for the wonderful work she has been doing, but for also agreeing to be a guest on the show.

To see all of the work she has been doing over the years, she can be found here:

- Emma Cruises

Enjoy!

Recorded 21st April 2025

Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here

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