Off course: a sideways look at life at sea

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Mar 2026

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Can you name three famous seafarers? Or do you know where your nearest port is? Don't worry if you're struggling with the answers - you're not alone! Off course explores why the maritime sector remains such a mystery to many of us when it plays such an important role in all our lives. Join host Robert Murtagh as he hears inspirational stories from across the industry - from captains on deck, to campaigners on land and those captured by pirates.

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March 19, 2026Episode 647 min

Off course (S4 E6) Emily Penn founder of eXXpedition, Skipper and ocean advocate

Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea During this season of Off Course, we are speaking with seafarers who have a real focus on the environment and sustainability.In today's episode, we speak to Emily Penn, an ocean advocate with more than 15 years of maritime experience. She is the founder of eXXpedition, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to help people gain a deeper understanding of the plastics crisis. The organisation leads all-female crews on voyages to observe how plastics are polluting our oceans and to participate in pioneering scientific research.About Emily Penn: With extensive maritime experience, she leads initiatives that involve scientific research and storytelling to raise awareness about the impact of plastics on marine ecosystems.If you would like to find out more about Emily's journey or eXXpedition, you can find the eXXpedition website link below, along with Emily's social media and information page. https://exxpedition.com/https://www.emilypenn.com/exxpeditionIf you would like to register your interest in applying to future eXXpedition click the link below.https://exxpedition.com/register-your-interest/Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! For the latest Off course updates you can follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintNautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. It represents 18,000 maritime professionals including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets) and shipping industry personnel such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, yacht crew, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Introduction (01:14) expedition(03:08) Life at sea: lessons learned(11:31) The plastics crisis: initial discoveries(20:01) Understanding microplastics and their impact(25:01) The impact of chemicals on health(29:47) Collaborative research and global efforts(43:48) Future directions in ocean conservation(46:36) OutroMissemilypenn - Instagram

February 26, 2026Episode 530 min

Off Course (S4 E5) Navigating the seas: Sophie Longhurst's journey

Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea During this season of Off Course, we are speaking with seafarers who have a real focus on the environment and sustainability.Helen Kelly talks to Sophie Longhurst, a Deck officer cadet aboard the cruise ship Enchanted Princess. Sophie shares her experiences from training and life at sea, detailing her path into the maritime industry. The discussion highlights the supportive community she has discovered and explores her future career aspirations. A key part of the conversation focuses on maritime sustainability, covering current initiatives and the industry's drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.To find out more information about the pre-cadetship Sophie completed, search, Brockenhurst College.Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! For the latest Off Course updates, follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintTo follow Sophie on Instagram search, @sophie.atseaNautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. We represent 18,000 maritime professionals, including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets), yacht crew and shipping industry personnel, such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Introduction to Sophie’s maritime journey(01:25) Pre-cadetship (05:57) Life on the bridge of a cruise ship(08:57) Sophie’s second sea phase (11:36) Adjusting to life at sea(21:17) Off Course podcast recap (21:17) Sustainability in the maritime industry(23:47) Fuel changeovers and emission controls (25:59) Future of maritime sustainability(27:37) Net zero by 2050 (29:30) Outro

February 5, 2026Episode 41 hr 0 min

Off Course (S4 E4) Straight talker: Cassie Mead on crew sustainability

🛟 Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea 🎙️During this season of Off Course, we will be interviewing some incredible seafarers who have a real focus on the environment and sustainability.Cassie Mead, a second officer and host of Women at the Helm podcast shares her journey and insights into the challenges faced by women at sea. The discussion covers topics such as sea blindness, the importance of union support, and the impact of ADHD on Cassie's career. Cassie Mead shares her journey as a mariner, reflecting on her career choices and the challenges faced in the maritime industry. She discusses the importance of sustainability, both in terms of environmental practices and crew welfare, emphasising the need for more crew members to alleviate fatigue and improve mental health.Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! For the latest Off Course updates, follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintTo follow Cassie on Instagram, @cas.sea_onboardFind Women at the Helm on Spotify here or by clicking the link below.https://open.spotify.com/show/1RF3JNomVxfpIh8Sp2OhBt?si=3aab5bf2cf464326Nautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. We represent 18,000 maritime professionals, including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets), yacht crew and shipping industry personnel, such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Introduction to Cassie Mead and her journey(01:30) Women at the Helm: Empowering female seafarers(02:19) Sea blindness: The public's perception of maritime careers(06:19) Challenges for women in maritime: Breaking the boys' club(11:29) The role of unions in supporting seafarers(12:50) Measuring success: The impact of Cassie's podcast(17:23) Navigating ADHD: Cassie's personal experience at sea(28:37) Off Course recap (29:20) Renovation and new beginnings: Cassie's current projects(32:02) Navigating career choices at sea(38:40) Sustainability in the maritime industry(50:52) Future of seafaring: Generational shifts and sustainability(58:59) Outro

January 14, 2026Episode 332 min

Off Course (S4 E3) Captain Phil Day, master mariner and director of operations, Northern Lighthouse Board

🛟 Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea 🎙️During this season of Off Course, we will be interviewing some incredible seafarers who have a real focus on the environment and sustainability.In this episode, our host Helen Kelly speaks to Captain Phil Day . A master mariner with 20 years’ seagoing experience, he has a HND in nautical science and, in 2025, was awarded the UK Merchant Navy Medal. Captain Day is currently Director of Operations for the Northern Lighthouse Board, responsible for all aspects of marine and engineering operations. In this episode of Off Course, we hear about his incredible career in the maritime industry – which began in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, offering professional guidance to aspiring mariners – as well as his thoughts on the industry's transition to new fuels. Below is a link to a recent interview Captain Day did with Nautilus.https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/telegraph/from-dirty-british-coaster-to-maritime-medal-nautilus-member-phil-days-journey-at-sea/Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! For the latest Off Course updates, follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintNautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. We represent 18,000 maritime professionals, including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets) and shipping industry personnel, such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Intro to Season Four (01:38) Introducing Captain Phil Day (02:38) Captain Phil Day ’s cadetship with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary(07:07) The Northern Lighthouse Board and what it does (11:00) Captain Phil Day ’s family history within the maritime industry (12:58) Changes to the maritime industry (18:20) Off Course recap (18:55) Captain Phil Day ’s earlier career working on shuttle tankers (22:02) The maritime transition to new fuels and transferring skills (27:25) Captain Phil Day being awarded the Merchant Navy Medal(29:45) Advice for future seafarers (32:00) Outro

November 27, 2025Episode 229 min

Off course (S4 E2) Amilia Busby and her career as a third engineer officer

🎙️ Off course: a sideways look at life at sea🚢 During this season of Off course, we will be interviewing seafarers with a real focus on the environment and sustainability. In today’s episode, we hear from Amilia Busby. She is a Careers at Sea ambassador and a Nautilus Bevis Minter Award recipient. We speak to Amilia about her journey to working at sea; how marine engineers are on the front line of environmental innovations onboard ships; and her recommendations for young seafarers wanting to break into the maritime industry.Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! To stay up to date with the latest Off course updates, you can follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintNautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. We represent 18,000 maritime professionals including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets) and shipping industry personnel such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Intro to season four (01:50) Introducing Amilia Busby(02:50) Amilia’s job role(7:05) Breaking into the maritime industry (10:31) Rugby and balancing her time(13:55) Aspirations for the future and networking (17:13) New fuels and training (22:05) Off course Recap (22:37) Dredging and its environmental impact (24:19) Advice for seafarers (28:23) Outro

October 30, 2025Episode 139 min

Off course (S4 E1) The Ocean Cleanup

Meet Laurent Lebreton, head of research at The Ocean Cleanup. 🚢 Off course: a sideways look at life at sea, 🎙️During this season of Off course, we will be interviewing some incredible seafarers who have a real focus on the environment and sustainability.The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organisation based in the Netherlands. It has one simple mission:to rid the world' s oceans of plastic.In this episode, host Helen Kelly speaks to Laurent Lebreton, head of research at The Ocean Cleanup. They discuss the organisation's mission, what kind of technology is used to intercept the plastic that ends up in our oceans, and the challenges posed by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Stay tuned as we hear about Laurent's background, his dedication to sustainability, and the critical role collective action plays in improving the oceans’ health.Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell to stay up to date with all things Nautilus! To stay up to date with the latest Off course updates you can follow Nautilus International on social channels everywhere, @nautilusintTo learn more about The Ocean Cleanup and how you can aid its mission, go to theoceancleanup.comNautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation that works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change and promote the sector, improving the lives of maritime professionals. We represent 20,000 maritime professionals including ship masters (captains), officers, officer trainees (cadets) and shipping industry personnel such as ship pilots, inland navigation workers, vessel traffic services operators, harbourmasters, seafarers in the oil and gas industry, and shore-based staff.👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/Soundbites (00:00) Intro to season four (01:31) Introduction to The Ocean Cleanup(03:19) Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch(04:52) Laurent's background and journey in sustainability(08:43) Data and plastic collection (15:02) Episode recap (15:19) Plastic collection and mitigation of harm to marine life (21:00) Funding/cost, partnerships and mitigating plastic pollution (32:29) What can the maritime industry do to help? (37:52) Vision for the future (38:18) Outro

February 6, 2025Episode 654 min

Off course (S3 E6): Joe Furness

*This episode was recorded in summer 2024 but is being released in 2025 due to unforeseen circumstance. Information was correct at time of recording At just 28, Chief Officer Joe Furness (@JoeTheSailor) has turned his maritime journey into a social media phenomenon, captivating millions on TikTok and Instagram. It all began with a Hollywood film that sparked his interest in the seafaring world. Now, Joe educates and entertains his global audience with engaging content about life on ultra-large container ships and LNG tankers. In this Nautilus Pod episode, "Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea," Helen Kelly delves into Joe’s incredible story, exploring his adventures, challenges, and tips for aspiring mariners. Tune in to learn how Joe balances technical expertise with accessible content that resonates with millions worldwide. 🔔 Subscribe to Joe’s journey: @JoeTheSailor on TikTok and Instagram 🔗 Subscribe to the Nautilus Pod – Offcourse on your favourite platforms Download the 2022 Nautilus Maritime Barometer report https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-i... 👉 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONAL For help and assistance at sea and ashore. www.nautilusint.org/en/join/join-online/

January 7, 2025Episode 545 min

Off course (S3 E5): Liberty Nogueira

In this episode we talk with Liberty Nogueira, better known as Travel with Liberty on social media. With more than 80K+ combined followers across TikTok and Instagram, Liberty is best known for documenting her travels and adventures while working as a superyacht bosun. Follow Liberty Nogueira: TikTok: @travelwithlibertyInstagram: @travel_with_liberty 🔹 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/join_online 🔹 NAUTILUS POD: OFF COURSE, A SIDEWAYS LOOK AT LIFE AT SEA On all platforms, and at www.nautilusint.org

December 12, 2024Episode 452 min

Off course (S3 E4): India Syms

India Syms, known as India Rose Ocean is a deck officer of the Watch Unlimited and has been documenting her life at sea to over 47,000 followers on TikTok. Showcasing the sheer variety that a seafaring career can offer, India's career so far has seen her training with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to sailing around the world on a 55 foot yacht as part The Spirit of Adelaide team in the Ocean Globe Race 2023. Tune in for another fascinating conversation, showcasing just how far a maritime career can take you! Follow India Symns: TikTok: @indiarose.oceanInstagram: @indiarose.ocean 🔹 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONALFor help and assistance at sea and ashore.www.nautilusint.org/join_online 🔹 NAUTILUS POD: OFF COURSE, A SIDEWAYS LOOK AT LIFE AT SEA On all platforms, and here:www.nautilusint.org

November 14, 2024Episode 11 hr 11 min

Off course (S3 E3): Mark Maguire

Join us for an exciting episode as we go onboard with Captain Mark Maguire, the no-nonsense star of TikTok, who’s demystifying container shipping one video at a time! In This Episode: 📹✨Life at Sea: Discover what it’s like to command a 353-meter-long container ship carrying 15,000 TEUs. 📹✨Digital Transformation: Learn how data and AI are revolutionizing maritime operations for efficiency and sustainability. 📹✨Behind the Scenes: Get a glimpse into the daily routines, challenges, and responsibilities of a modern-day ship captain. 📹✨TikTok Fame: Hear how Captain Maguire’s honest and educational videos have garnered a following of 180,000 curious minds. 📹✨Career Insights: Valuable advice for aspiring seafarers and a look at the diverse opportunities in the maritime industry. Follow Captain Mark Maguire: TikTok: @_captain_mark Instagram: @captainmarkmaguire 🔹 JOIN NAUTILUS INTERNATIONAL For help and assistance at sea and ashore. https://www.nautilusint.org/join_online 🔹 NAUTILUS POD: OFF COURSE, A SIDEWAYS LOOK AT LIFE AT SEA On all platforms, and here: https://www.nautilusint.org