Off course podcast : series 2 - join us for a sideways look at life at sea

Series 2

Series 2 of our awards-nominated podcast 'Off Course: a sideways look at life at sea.'

After a successful series 1, Off Course returns with more insightful and inspiring stories from those working in the maritime industry. From Merchant Navy Medal winners to the first African woman to sail to the Arctic, this series dives even deeper into the lives of the people who work at sea.

With thanks to Lloyd's Maritime Academy for sponsoring the first three episodes of our second series.

Series 2: Episode 1

Friday 08 September 2023

Episode 1 of Series 2 features Allan Larsen, managing director of Larsen's Marine Surveyors and Consultants who discusses the role of marine surveying, how the industry has changed over the past four decades and what the future is like as we move towards net zero.

This episode is sponsored by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy – providing a lifelong career pathway for maritime professionals.

Series 2: Episode 2

Tuesday 31 October 2023

Episode 2 of Series 2 features Ann Pletschke, master mariner and Merchant Navy medal winner talks about how AI has impacted her work, and gives us her future predictions on the autonmous shipping industry and lessons we can learn from other transport industries. We also discuss how she got into the maritime industry, what inspired her when she was young, and how seafaring is the one thing that can bring together all genders.

This second episode is sponsored by Lloyd's Maritime Academy – providing a lifelong career pathway for maritime professionals.

Series 2: Episode 3

Wednesday 06 December 2023

Episode 3 of Series 2 features Lungi Mchunu, yacht skipper and the first African woman to sail to the Arctic.

Lungi is also a yachtmaster graduate of the Nautilus strategic yacht partner and training charity, UKSA, and has worked in yachting, cruise and racing.

We speak with her about her fear of the sea, how she overcame it, and her experiences of the arctic.

This third episode is sponsored by Lloyd's Maritime Academy – providing a lifelong career pathway for maritime professionals.

Series 2: Episode 4

Monday 29 January 2024

Episode 4 of Series 2 features Jacqueline Smith, the maritime coordinator for the International Transport Workers' Federation.

We speak with her about the concept of Flags of Convenience (FOCs) in the maritime industry; and why the ITF is calling for a global review of ship registration practices, and a clearer definition of a 'genuine link' between a ship and its flag state.

We also discuss the lack of enforcement of these regulations by FOC countries, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Series 2: Episode 5

Thursday 08 February 2024

Episode 5 of Series 2 features Dr Jo Stanley, a creative historian and expert on LGBT+ maritime history, and an honorary research fellow at Blaydes Maritime Centre, University of Hull, UK.

In this episode we talk with Jo about the history of LGBT+ individuals, particularly gay men, in the British Merchant Navy during the mid-20th century.

We discuss how the environment onboard ships allowed for a more open exploration of sexuality and identity, with many gay men finding a sense of liberation and acceptance at sea.