Sea Views

Ahoy Communications Ltd

Sea Views podcast where we are floating the big issues in maritime.  We talk with thought provoking experts in maritime and every guest brings their own perspective on how to bring about change so that all seafarers live a safer and better life at sea.  Sea Views is supported by The CHIRP Charitable Trust and funded by The Seafarers' Charity.   And now you can also watch Sea Views on CHIRP Maritime's YouTube channel.

  1. Superyacht Safety Culture, Reporting & CHIRP

    09/12/2025

    Superyacht Safety Culture, Reporting & CHIRP

    Send us a text 🚨 What really happens when yacht crew report incidents, and how many lives has CHIRP already helped save? In this episode of Sea Views, host Julia Gosling sits down with Paul Shepherd, Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Board, to unpack how confidential incident reporting is reshaping safety culture across the superyacht industry. From near misses and falls from height to lithium battery fires, manning levels and harassment on board, this is a straight talking look at what is really happening at sea and what must change. Paul explains how CHIRP’s Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme works in practice, why anonymity is non negotiable, and how reports are turned into practical safety lessons that captains, management companies and crew can use immediately. He also digs into the regulatory gap between private and commercial superyachts, and why minimum safe manning is no longer enough for today’s dual season, high intensity programs. ✅ In this episode you will learn: How CHIRP’s confidential superyacht reporting system actually works from first contact to published lesson Why near misses are "accidents that did not happen" and how they can prevent the next fatality The real risk behind work aloft on wet, sloping decks and why flags are now pushing back Emerging technical dangers, including engine start battery explosions and lithium ion battery fires How crew welfare, hours of rest, manning levels and cabin conditions link directly to safety on board Where harassment and abuse fit into the safety picture and how CHIRP and ISWAN work together Why the regulatory divide between private and commercial superyachts is no longer defensible What a "minimum operational safe manning" model could look like for busy charter and dual season yachts How captains, managers and owners can use honest reporting as a mark of professionalism, not weakness Paul’s direct appeal to yacht crew worldwide to share their own stories and help drive industry change 💬 Join the conversation: Do you have a near miss story or a lesson learned that others could benefit from, even if it happened years ago? You can message us about what you believe most needs to change in superyacht safety culture and reporting. 📣 How to report to CHIRP: If you are yacht crew and want to share a safety concern, incident or near miss confidentially, visit the CHIRP Maritime website or app. Reports can be made by phone, email or online, and your identity is fully protected at every stage. 🌐 Website: https://chirp.co.uk/maritime/ 📧 Email: mail@chirp.co.uk ☎️ Phone (UK): +44 20 4534 2881 🎙️ Host: Julia Gosling | Sea Views Podcast 👤 Guest: Paul Shepherd | Chair, CHIRP Superyacht Board NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    50 min
  2. 04/11/2025

    Bulk Carriers & Maritime Safety Culture

    Send us a text Bulk Carriers: The Hidden Work Horses of The Sea In this episode of Sea Views, hosts Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell speak with Matt Shirley (CEO, Safe Harbours Australia) and Marco Blanco (CFO, Safe Harbours Australia) - veteran maritime pilots leading a consultancy that’s reshaping the standards of bridge team management and port safety worldwide. What we cover: Why bulk carriers are the “workhorses of the sea” and how Australia became their global hub How Safe Harbours Australia trains bridge teams for high-stakes decision-makingWhat the Ships of Shame era taught the world about maritime accountabilityHow communication and leadership directly impact safety cultureWhy treating crews as assets and not commodities drives operational excellenceAbout Safe Harbours Australia With over 140 years of combined commercial shipping experience and 70 years as qualified marine pilots, Safe Harbours Australia delivers independent consultancy, peer reviews, operational assessments, and advanced Bridge Team Management Training. Their expertise covers pilotage safety systems, simulator facilitation, incident investigation, and autonomous shipping design. 🔗 www.safeharbours.com.au Hosts Julia Gosling, Host, Sea Views  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaahoy/ Adam Parnell, Director, CHIRP Maritime  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-parnell-chirp/ Guests Matt Shirley, CEO, Safe Harbours Australia  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-shirley-0435a8206/ Marco Blanco, CFO, Safe Harbours Australia  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-blanco-837b4a192/ NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    34 min
  3. 30/07/2025

    Behind the Sparkle: Mental Health at Sea in the Superyacht Sector

    Send us a text Guests: Captain Brendan O’Shannassy – Superyacht Captain and maritime safety advocateLaura Beard – Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)“Mental health is health. It’s just the same.”  Brendan O’Shannassy Hosts: Julia Gosling – Host, Sea Views PodcastAdam Parnell – Director, CHIRP MaritimeEpisode Summary: In this powerful and practical episode of Sea Views, we explore the vital topic of mental health and welfare in the yacht crew sector. Julia and Adam are joined by returning guest Captain Brendan O’Shannassy and ISWAN’s Laura Beard to discuss the unique pressures faced by superyacht crew, and how industry-wide change can make life at sea safer and more sustainable for everyone on board. “There’s no judgment on YachtCrewHelp - we’re here for any crew, at any rank.” Laura Beard Brendan reflects on leadership, fatigue, and the silent strain of command, while Laura shares insights from ISWAN’s helpline Yacht Crew Help, including why many yacht crew don’t initially see themselves as seafarers—and what’s being done to change that. Key Topics: What defines the large yacht sector and who’s working in itHow mental health is deeply linked to crew safety and performanceWhy perception of the “glamorous” yacht lifestyle often hides the challengesCommon issues reported to YachtCrewHelp and how the service respondsThe importance of psychological safety, empathy, and leadership onboardAwareness campaigns and support for crew at all ranks, from junior to captainResources Mentioned: YachtCrewHelp (ISWAN): www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/ A free, 24/7 confidential helpline for all yacht crew, worldwide. Edited by powwowpodcasts.com NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    36 min
  4. Different Minds, Stronger Crews: Embracing Neurodiversity at Sea

    30/06/2025

    Different Minds, Stronger Crews: Embracing Neurodiversity at Sea

    Send us a text In this compelling episode of Sea Views, Julia and Adam sit down with Daniel Smith, founder of the charity NeurodiversAtSea, to explore what neurodiversity really means in the maritime world—and why it's time the industry took notice. Together, they unpack: What neurodiversity is and why it mattersHow life at sea can both challenge and empower neurodivergent individualsThe business case for neurodiversity—productivity, innovation, and retentionThe realities of recruitment and how small changes can open big doorsDaniel’s personal journey and what inspired him to launch NeurodiversAtSeaWhether you're in HR, onboard, or in the boardroom, this episode will make you rethink how your teams work—and what untapped talent might already be on your radar. Key Takeaways Neurodiversity isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a competitive advantage.Simple changes to recruitment and workplace culture can create space for exceptional talent.The maritime sector is uniquely placed to lead the way in inclusive employment at sea.About Our Guest Daniel Smith is the founder of NeurodiversAtSea, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of neurodiversity within the maritime sector and supporting neurodivergent individuals in their careers at sea. A passionate advocate with lived experience, Daniel is committed to reshaping the future of maritime workplaces—one conversation at a time. Resources & Links Learn more about NeurodiversAtSea:LINK NeurodiversAtSea partnered with Seafarers Hospital Society and The Seafarers' Charity to offer grants for UK based seafarers to access assessments for a range of conditions.  Find out more at LINK or email admin@seahospital.org.uk Sea Views podcast by Ahoy Communications Ltd and editing by powowpodcasts.com  NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    34 min
  5. Offshore Energy Safety In A New Era

    29/05/2025

    Offshore Energy Safety In A New Era

    Send us a text Ensuring Safety in Offshore Energy: Industry Insights and Future Challenges.  In this episode of the Sea Views podcast, Graham Skinner of Offshore Energies UK and Pete Lowson from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency discuss safety practices in the offshore oil, gas, and wind industries. They delve into the industry’s safety records, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the impact of new technologies such as AI and autonomous vessels. NEWSFLASH!  If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. The conversation highlights the significant employment numbers in these sectors, the shared lessons from past incidents, and future challenges, including climate change and the increasing complexity of managing offshore operations. Both Graham and Pete emphasise the critical importance of continuous improvement, training, and adaptation to ensure safety in these rapidly developing industries. Topics discussed: Overview of the Offshore Energy Industry Safety Records and Improvements Sharing Safety Lessons Across Sectors Exercises and Training in Offshore Safety Differences Between Oil, Gas, and Renewables Future Challenges, Security and Technological Innovations Climate Change and Severe Weather The Future of Oil and Gas in the North Sea Supporting Maritime Workers Maritime & Coastguard Agency web site Offshore Energies UK web site Sea Views podcast by Ahoy Communications Ltd and editing by powowpodcasts.com  NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    43 min
  6. 14/03/2025

    Exploding Myths - Batteries, Boats & Danger

    Send us a text Exploding Myths - Vapour clouds, explosion and new frontiers in firefighting.  Lithium Ion Batteries, Boats & Danger! In this episode, Adam and I welcome the leading expert on lithium ion battery safety Professor Paul Christensen to talk about the increasingly topical issue of managing the risks of lithium ion batteries in the maritime and port environment.   Lithium ion batteries have quickly become part of life now in electric vehicles and e scooters for example. On dry land in the UK, Fire services are dealing with one lithium ion battery fire/explosion every day. Thankfully, explosions and fire from malfunctioning lithium ion batteries is not a common problem but the hazard and severity of the incidents is great.  At sea we have seen the catastrophic fires on MV Fremantle Highway and Felicity Ace.  Paul explains the difference between traditional combustion fires and lithium ion battery incidents and we dive into the science behind thermal runaway, vapour cloud explosion and fire.  NEW FINDINGS ON DANGERS OF VAPOUR CLOUD INHALATION Paul’s very recent field trials in February 2025, have discovered new information about harmful molecules in the vapour cloud which appear to be causing more severe inhalation injuries for people than traditional smoke inhalation.   FIREFIGHTING & SOLUTIONS Paul’s work involves real world field trials and testing to try to find solutions or better manage the risks but lithium ion battery fires are not extinguished with any of the traditional methods of firefighting which use liquids or remove oxygen.  This presents significant difficulties when tackling this type of fire on a ship at sea with great risk to seafarers who have previously been trained to deal with combustion type fires.  This episode of Sea Views is supported and funded by CHIRP and The Seafarers’ Charity: Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    41 min
  7. 29/01/2025

    Safe at Sea: Allyship and Psychological Safety at Sea

    Send us a text Safe at Sea Allyship & Psychological Safety Sea Views is spotlighting the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s (ISWAN) global campaign: "Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!" – with a focus on the crucial role male seafarers can play as allies to support their women colleagues. Women seafarers are more than three times as likely to contact ISWAN’s helplines regarding abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or violence – and more than twice as likely to raise concerns about mental health. The campaign calls on the entire maritime community to foster a culture of psychological safety and inclusion at sea. Georgia Allen, ISWAN’s Projects and Relationships Manager and the campaign lead, explains: “The concept of allyship is a fantastic one, with the onus on those around you to pay more attention, give more support, and ultimately bring the crew together to create a psychologically safe environment on board.” Joining the conversation is Sophia Grant from the UK P&I Club. With 30 years of maritime experience, she reflects on how industry attitudes are shifting—recognising mental health and psychological safety as fundamental parts of the safety culture on board. ISWAN’s Safe at Sea… it takes all of us! campaign is funded by The Seafarers’ Charity and The UK P&I Club.  Let’s hope that 2025 brings positive changes for seafarers.   Resources and support: Link to guides on How to Be An Ally  Link to ISWAN web site SAFE At SEA ISWAN SEAFARER HELP Service ISWAN YACHT CREW HELP Service Research by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre Port Based Welfare Needs Of Women Working on Cargo Ships If you have been affected by any of the issues in this podcast you can contact these charities for support: SAFER WAVES For confidential support, email trained volunteers at: support@saferwaves.org SALUTE HER UK If you need help please contact Paula on Mobile: 07861748522 or via the website: www.saluteher.co.uk NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube. CHIRP Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme. Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here The Seafarers' Charity Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

    21 min

Descrizione

Sea Views podcast where we are floating the big issues in maritime.  We talk with thought provoking experts in maritime and every guest brings their own perspective on how to bring about change so that all seafarers live a safer and better life at sea.  Sea Views is supported by The CHIRP Charitable Trust and funded by The Seafarers' Charity.   And now you can also watch Sea Views on CHIRP Maritime's YouTube channel.