DeckTales Podcast

Ep45: Zamira Chevrestt - Volunteer Co-ordinator for In The Same BoatToday 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 TakeawaysThe 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 bin04:10 – Volunteering at Sea: Who Can Join & What It’s Really LikeNo sailing experience, extreme conditions, and physical demands06:02 – Crossing the North Sea & Surviving Rough WatersSeasickness, storms, fear, dolphins, and why sailors keep coming back09:50 – How an Arctic Cleanup NGO Actually WorksFunding struggles, boats, tech, volunteers, and scaling impact12:40 – First Cleanup Shock: “I’d Never Seen This Much Trash”The myth of “clean” Norway and what shows up on remote beaches16:25 – A Day in the Life of a Marine Cleanup Crew12-hour days, midnight sun cleanups, weather chaos, and logistics20:35 – One Million+ KG of Trash & Tracking the DataGPS mapping, fishing nets, hotspots, and working with industry28:15 – Burnout, Boat Life & Being ‘In the Same Boat’Mental health, friendships, drama, romance, and volunteer reality35:35 – Plastic, Wildlife & The Stats That HurtSeabirds, whales, microplastics, and why this is urgent41:00 – Schools, Hope & Why the Next Generation MattersTeaching kids, community impact, staying hopeful, and what you can do52:30 – Boat Life Fun: Initiations, Food Fails & Reality TV EnergyGhost pepper shots, porridge crimes, and why this should be a show01:01:30 – Final Reflections: Why This Work Is Worth ItSmall wins, real change, and not giving up on the oceanTo see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd 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/1912964244Special Thanks To:Zamira Chevrestthttps://www.inthesameboat.eco

Ep44: Anthony Cummins AKA Captain TonzToday 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 TakeawaysPiracy 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.Chapters00:00:00 — A Real Pirate Joins the PodcastMeet Captain Tonz and the myth vs reality of piracy00:04:42 — “Everything You Know About Pirates Is Wrong”The true meaning of piracy and where the word comes from00:09:05 — Running Away to Sea at 14From troubled childhood to life aboard ships00:14:18 — The Wave That Changed EverythingSurviving a rogue wave and finding purpose00:19:52 — Becoming a Pirate by AccidentA master pirate, the Baltic Sea, and a life-altering choice00:24:55 — Smuggling, Survival & Sea InstinctsWhy piracy is about planning, not chaos00:30:08 — Camels, Cargo & Breaking RecordsThe strangest things ever smuggled at sea00:35:12 — Escaping the Royal NavyChains, hacksaw blades, and a Gibraltar breakout00:40:18 — Pirate Code: Radical Equality at SeaWhy pirates were centuries ahead of their time00:45:55 — Prison Cells & Close CallsFrom East Germany to unexpected hospitality00:51:02 — UFOs, Legends & Sea MysteriesWhat sailors see that landlubbers never will00:56:10 — Are Pirates the Guardians of the Ocean?Pollution, responsibility, and protecting the sea01:01:48 — Somali Pirates & The Truth Behind the HeadlinesWhat really created modern piracy01:08:32 — Stopping Environmental Crimes at SeaWhen pirates enforced justice no one else would01:14:55 — Who Can Be a Pirate?Mental health, connection, and fearlessness01:21:30 — Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry & Dream CrewsCasting pirates and Hollywood truth01:28:45 — Pirates, AI & the Future of NavigationWhy modern sailors are losing vital skills01:34:20 — Final Message from the SeaA warning, a responsibility, and a call to acthttps://captaintonz.comhttps://www.originalpiratematerial.co.uk/#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd 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

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

Ep42: Rich Napolitano - Shipwrecks & Seadogs Podcast HostIn 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 TakeawaysMaritime 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.comHopefully 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 #shipstoriesTo see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd 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/1912964244Special Thanks To:Lucy Southernon @CruisingAsCrewTom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Ep41: Lucy Southerton - Former Crew, Now Cruise Content CreatorIn 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 TakeawaysLife 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/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd 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/1912964244Special Thanks To:Lucy Southernon  @CruisingAsCrew Tom Hunt  @teghunt Dan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

#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 nowSam -x-Recorded 19th June 2025

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 GlobeIt 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 CruisesEnjoy!Recorded 21st April 2025

A little something different today, as my guest Peter Knego is the first person on DeckTales who has NOT worked on ships.His enthusiasm for them however, has basically meant he's spent more time on ships over the years than some of my previous guests.Peter fell in love with the old ocean liners when he was young, and his obsession for them only grew over time.He was blogging about them before the word was invented, then he progressed into vlogging, where he started a YouTube channel which can be found at Peter Knego's MidShipCinema - YouTube, and a website for people who love old ships as much as he does, where the fixings and furnishings he salvaged from Indian scrapyards are up for sale.https://www.midshipcentury.comEnjoy!Recorded 7th April 2025

Steve and I worked on a Carnival ship together back in the day, albeit different departments.He wished to remain anonymous for his own reasons, and so used a pseudonym and an on screen avatar for the duration of the call.This is a choice afforded to any guest who comes on the podcast, and if there are people still in the industry who would like to share some stories, then I strongly recommend you copy Steve's example.We caught up with one another over the things we remembered, the things we'd forgotten, and the things better left forgotten.Steve initially worked in the teens club onboard as a host, before he transitioned into a completely different role, where he drilled company policy into new and returning crew, by becoming a corporate trainer.Have a listen to hear some of his highs and lows from a period spanning about three years in total.Enjoy!Recorded 28th February 2025