A journalist with a lifelong interest in the sea and a former Heysham shipping boss have launched a podcast dedicated to the maritime industry.
The Full Ahead Podcast is the idea of Nigel Thompson and Alistair Eagles who have already created a dozen episodes of the show.
It aims to shine a spotlight on an industry that plays a vital role in the UK.
Alistair spent 15 years as chief executive officer of Seatruck Ferries linking Ireland with the UK and previously worked for over a decade in the shipping and logistics sector.
Former Beyond Radio presenter Nigel worked for the BBC for 20 years as a correspondent before becoming a PR and podcast producer a decade ago.
“We thought there was a real opportunity to highlight the work of people employed in this vital sector who are often overlooked,” said Nigel.
“Everywhere I’ve lived and worked I have been drawn to the sea and have been struck by the passion and conviction of those who make their living from it.”
With recruitment a growing issue across the industry, the podcast could come at an ideal time to raise the profile of the wide variety of opportunities on offer.
“I know from personal experience shipping is not always seen as the dynamic industry it actually is,” said Alistair.
“It’s never been more important to maintain and develop the sector with new ideas from those who may be unaware of the range of jobs on offer. That’s one reason for making the podcast.”
Episode 1 features an interview with Harvey Finney, a chief officer with Caledonian MacBrayne, whose determination to get into the industry began as a teenager applying for work experience at Seatruck.
A cadetship and qualification from Fleetwood Nautical College began a career path that earlier this year saw him achieve his masters’ unlimited ticket.
The podcast was also invited to a prestigious shipping summit held last month in Malmo where Alistair was a guest speaker.
“We were able to interview some of the top players in European shipping and produce a five-part series just on the event thanks to the variety of topics being discussed,” said Alistair.
“From electrically powered ships to ways AI is now welcoming passengers, the event just shows how much is going on in the maritime world.”
The pair have also focussed on the industry’s proud heritage too.
“We’re both based in north west England so as well as witnessing the first arrival of a state-of-the-art ferry on the Irish Sea we’ve also been fortunate to spend a day with the volunteers who look after the Daniel Adamson, a historic steam powered tug which still operates on the Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal,” said Nigel.
“In every episode of the podcast we aim to feature the sounds of the subject we’re talking about as well as hearing directly from those who are working whether to keep history alive or make a difference in the future.”
Guests from Mersey Maritime, the world’s oldest ferry service as well as an interview with the owner of possibly the UK’s smallest have already appeared along with a ships’ pilot and maritime lawyer.
Future episodes include the makers of the TV series Coastguard, ship builders and the Scottish lighthouse service.
The podcast has already attracted listeners in over 40 countries.
“We’re constantly looking for guests to help raise the profile of the maritime world and have recently opened a YouTube channel alongside our podcast feeds to help spread the word about this fascinating and fast-changing industry,” said Alistair.
The Full Ahead Podcast can be heard on Spotify and Apple.
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