Voices From The Bridge

Based on interviews and written accounts from over 50 contributors, this book vividly depicts the experiences of the deck officer, from pre-sea training and cadetship through the ranks to the eventual achievement of a Master's authority and responsibilities. With the advent of mass air travel, containerisation and flags of convenience, British merchant shipping was already in decline by the 1960s. The passenger and cargo liners, tramp ships, tankers and coasters described here are all but gone. The living archive contained within these pages will help preserve an important record of a seagoing way of life that has all but vanished. 246pp