Deck Tales: Secrets From The Sea. Behind the Scenes Stories from Cruise Ships and Crew Members from Maritime and Sea Life

Ep56: Nelson AspenToday I’m joined by Nelson Aspen—an entertainment reporter turned author and Titanic expert—about his lifelong fascination with maritime history, especially the Titanic. Nelson shares how his career evolved from Hollywood journalism to writing and podcasting, culminating in his successful Titanic Talk podcast and novel Kindred Spirits.The conversation explores why the Titanic continues to captivate global audiences, blending history, myth, and personal storytelling. Nelson discusses lesser-known perspectives, including LGBTQ+ narratives, survivor trauma, and overlooked historical accounts. He also reflects on modern parallels—like the Titan submersible disaster—highlighting how human hubris and risk-taking remain constant themes.Alongside Titanic insights, Nelson shares anecdotes from his entertainment career, cruise ship performances, and unique experiences at sea, offering a blend of humour, history, and personal reflection.Enjoy!Nelson Aspen - Entertainment Reporter�� Key Takeaways1. Titanic’s Enduring Fascination· The Titanic remains culturally powerful because it blends tragedy, human drama, and myth.· It has evolved from a disaster into a romanticized global story.2. History Repeats Itself· The same traits—hubris, overconfidence, and profit over safety—link the Titanic disaster to modern incidents like the Titan implosion.3. Untold Stories Matter· Many perspectives (e.g., LGBTQ+ passengers, Chinese survivors, class disparities) have historically been ignored.· There is still significant room for new narratives within well-known events.4. Survival Isn’t the End of the Story· Survivors often faced lifelong trauma, guilt, and hardship—challenging the “happy ending” assumption.5. Class System Extended Beyond Death· Even in recovery efforts, first-class passengers were prioritized over third-class victims.6. Technology is Changing Historical Exploration· Advances like VR and AI allow immersive experiences of Titanic without risking lives or disturbing a grave site.7. Passion Can Become a Career· Nelson turned a childhood obsession into books, speaking gigs, and a successful podcast—showing the value of leaning into niche interests.8. Cruise Culture: Then vs Now· Early ocean liners were about transport, not leisure.· Modern cruising ranges from luxury heritage experiences to entertainment-focused “floating resorts.”⏱️Chapters00:00 – Titanic Secrets & Modern Disasters (Hook)02:15 – Meet Nelson Aspen: From Hollywood to Titanic Expert06:00 – Breaking into TV & Celebrity Interviews10:30 – Why Podcasts Beat Traditional TV14:45 – Titanic Obsession: How It Became a Career19:30 – Inside the Titanic Podcast Boom (Top Ranked Show)24:10 – Cruise Ship Life: Performer vs Guest Experience29:00 – Luxury Cruises vs Party Ships Explained34:20 – Writing a Titanic Novel (Hidden LGBTQ+ Stories)40:10 – The Dark Truth About Titanic Survivors46:30 – Untold Stories: Class System & Bodies Recovered52:40 – Shocking Titanic Facts You Didn’t Know59:00 – The Titan Sub Disaster & Lessons Not Learned01:05:30 – Cruise Industry Then vs Now (Ocean Liners Explained)01:12:00 – Wild Cruise Stories & Behind-the-Scenes Moments01:20:15 – Titanic Legacy: Why We’re Still ObsessedHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please make sure to like and subscribe to help support the channel. Cheers!This episode of Deck Tales features veteran mariner Eric Takakjian, who reflects on nearly 50 years at sea across an extraordinary range of vessels—from Coast Guard rescue boats to pioneering deepwater drill-ships and ocean-going tugboats.Eric recounts high-risk, real-world experiences including near capsizes, extreme weather navigation, and large-scale towing operations. He shares insights into working on the world’s first dynamically positioned drillship, where crews broke records drilling in unprecedented ocean depths using early positioning technology.The conversation also explores his Coast Guard years, including rescue missions during the 1980 Cuban exodus, and his progression from entry-level seaman to captain without formal academy training. Throughout, Eric emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and safety culture in maritime work. https://questmarineservices.com/🔑 Key Takeaways1. Experience Over Formal TrainingEric rose from apprentice to captain by learning on the job.Real-world exposure and mentorship were critical to his development. 2. Innovation at SeaWorked on the first dynamically positioned drillship, holding position over deep wells without anchors.Early tech was massive and experimental, but groundbreaking. 3. Risk Is Constant—Preparation Is EverythingMaritime work involves frequent danger: capsizes, fires, extreme weather.Strong training in damage control and firefighting is essential. 4. Leadership Means ResponsibilityCaptains must resist pressure to take unsafe actions.Safety decisions directly impact crew lives. 5. The Human Side of Maritime LifeStories reveal camaraderie, humor, and chaos (especially during crew changes).Long careers are built not just on skill, but relationships and shared experience. 6. Mentorship LegacyOne of Eric’s proudest achievements is training crew who became captains and pilots.Passing on knowledge is as important as acquiring it.⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – “We Should’ve Sunk…” (Insane Tugboat Story)02:05 – Meet the Captain: 50 Years at Sea05:10 – Every Ship Imaginable (From Coast Guard to Drillships)08:20 – The World’s First Deepwater Drillship Explained12:45 – Drilling 1.5 Miles Deep (Breaking World Records)17:30 – Life Offshore: Crew Chaos & Wild Stories22:10 – How He Became a Captain (No Academy Route)27:00 – The Most Dangerous Waters in the World32:15 – Extreme Rescue Missions (50ft Waves & Survival)37:40 – The 1980 Cuban Exodus: Real Rescue Operations43:20 – What It’s Really Like Saving Lives at Sea49:10 – Tugboats Explained (Power, Precision & Risk)55:00 – Towing 75,000 Tons (One Mistake = Disaster)01:00:30 – The #1 Rule: When to Say NO at Sea01:06:45 – Close Calls, Death & Hard Lessons01:13:30 – Mentorship & Legacy (Training Future Captains)01:20:30 – Final Thoughts: The Brutal Truth About Life at SeaHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.coGet Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep54:Moss HillsThis episode of Deck Tales follows Moss Hills, a self-taught musician turned cruise director, whose career at sea includes surviving not one—but two—major maritime disasters.The story centers on the sinking of the Oceanos, where Moss and the entertainment team were thrust into leadership after the ship lost power during a storm and senior officers abandoned their posts. With no communication, training, or guidance, they improvised an evacuation—organizing passengers, loading lifeboats in dangerous conditions, and ultimately coordinating a rescue via radio from the empty bridge. Despite the chaos, all passengers survived, thanks largely to the initiative of non-crew personnel like Moss and his colleagues. The episode then shifts to Moss’s experience aboard the Achille Lauro, a ship already infamous for a past hijacking. During his time onboard, a fire broke out at sea, leading to another emergency evacuation. Unlike the Oceanos, the crew maintained command and communication, but the situation escalated quickly as the fire spread. Moss again found himself in the middle of the crisis—helping passengers evacuate, rescuing individuals from the water, and ultimately escaping as the ship burned and sank in the distance. The episode closes with reflection on resilience, the rarity of such disasters, and how these experiences shaped Moss’s approach to safety and leadership in his later career.Key TakeawaysLeadership can emerge from anywhereWhen the Oceanos crew failed to act, untrained entertainers stepped up and effectively ran the evacuation.Communication is critical in crisisThe absence of announcements on the Oceanos caused confusion, while clear communication on the Achille Lauro improved control despite the danger.Training vs. instinctMoss had no formal emergency training, yet quick thinking and teamwork saved lives—highlighting the importance of adaptability.Maritime disasters are rare—but unforgivingBoth incidents reinforce how unusual such events are, yet how rapidly they escalate when they occur.Human behavior under pressure varies widelyFrom panic and denial to courage and humor, the episode captures a full spectrum of reactions in life-threatening situations.Experience reshapes perspective, not fearDespite surviving two disasters, Moss continued his career at sea, later emphasizing safety and preparedness as a cruise director.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Night Everything Changed 04:12 – A Routine Voyage Turns Strange 08:35 – First Signs of Trouble at Sea 12:48 – The Crew Realises Something Is Wrong 17:10 – Panic Spreads Across the Ship 21:22 – A Critical Mayday Call 25:40 – Passengers Rush for Answers 30:05 – The Shocking Truth About the Situation 34:18 – Chaos on Deck as Conditions Worsen 38:50 – The Fight to Keep Everyone Calm 43:12 – A Desperate Plan Is Formed 47:40 – The Ship Begins to Fail 52:05 – A Race Against Time 56:30 – The Turning Point No One Expected 1:01:15 – A Heroic Effort to Save Lives 1:06:40 – The Final Push for Survival 1:12:05 – Rescue Efforts Intensify 1:17:50 – The Moment Hope Returns 1:23:10 – Aftermath: What Really Happened NextHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.coGet Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep53:Jenn SellittiJenn is a criminal defence attorney and deep-sea shipwreck explorer and leader of Atlantic Wreck Salvage. She shares how her passion for history—not the ocean—pulled her into the world of deep-sea exploration, where she helps uncover and preserve stories hidden within historic shipwrecks.Following the recent loss of her partner and founder of the organisation, Joe Mazraani, Jenn has stepped into a leadership role, navigating both the emotional weight and operational challenges of continuing their shared mission. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at life aboard their salvage vessel - DV Tenacious, the technology used to locate wrecks, and the realities of artifact recovery.The conversation dives into the ethics of salvage vs. preservation, the limitations of museums, and why recovering artifacts from the North Atlantic is often a race against time. Jenn also opens up about the dangers of deep diving, the psychology of explorers, and why, despite not loving the water itself, she’s deeply committed to the stories it holds.Key TakeawaysShipwrecks are human stories – Every wreck represents lives, histories, and untold narratives—not just debris on the ocean floor.Passion over profit – Most deep-sea salvage (in this case) is driven by curiosity and historical preservation, not money.Leadership through adversity – Jen’s transition into leadership came suddenly after personal loss, highlighting resilience and purpose.Technology meets patience – Tools like side-scan sonar require long, methodical “mowing the lawn” searches with no guarantees.Artifacts are at risk – Natural forces and human activity can destroy wrecks, making recovery time-sensitive.Museums aren’t always the solution – Many won’t accept salvaged artifacts, creating a gap between discovery and public access.Diving is both technical and mental – For some, it’s meditation; for others (like Jen), it’s a means to an end.Risk is ever-present – Deep dives involve complex systems like rebreathers and require rigorous safety protocols.https://dvtenacious.com/🎬 Chapters00:00 – Intro: Lawyer Turned Deep-Sea Shipwreck Explorer03:45 – The Real Reason She Got Into Shipwrecks (It’s Not the Ocean)08:20 – Discovering Lost Ships Through History & DNA Research13:10 – The Story Behind Atlantic Wreck Salvage17:45 – Losing Joe & Stepping Into Leadership23:30 – Carrying On a Deep-Sea Explorer’s Legacy28:10 – Inside a 20-Person Shipwreck Exploration Team32:40 – How They Actually Find Shipwrecks (Sonar Explained)38:15 – “Mowing the Ocean” for 16 Hours Straight43:50 – What They’ve Found Underwater (Artifacts & Surprises)49:30 – Why Museums REFUSE Shipwreck Artifacts55:10 – Should We Leave Shipwrecks Alone or Recover Them?01:00:40 – Life on a Deep-Sea Expedition (Day in the Life)01:07:20 – Diving the Andrea Doria: The ‘Disneyland’ of Wrecks01:14:10 – The Dangers of Deep Diving (Gear, Risk & Survival)01:21:30 – Why She’s Still Afraid of the Ocean (But Keeps Diving)Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.coGet Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep52: Rod ScherIn this episode of Deck Tales, we are joined by author and historian Rod Scher to explore why shipwreck stories still grip us centuries later, to uncover what really causes them to go down—and why it’s almost never just “bad luck.”From the deadly wreck of the SS Valencia to the near-total loss of the Pacific, Rod breaks down how small decisions, human pride, and overlooked warning signs can spiral into full-blown disaster.The conversation also dives into the human side of these tragedies—stories of survival, loss, and split-second decisions that changed everything. Along the way, Rod shares how he turns historical wrecks into gripping narratives, why context matters just as much as the event itself, and how one sailor managed to circle the globe with no instruments at all.This episode is a deep dive into the thin line between control and chaos at sea—and why, no matter how prepared you are, the ocean always has the final say.Key TakeawaysMost maritime disasters aren’t “bad luck” — they’re the result of compounding human decisionsTrusting (or mistrusting) instruments has made or broken countless voyagesShipwrecks reveal as much about their era’s technology and culture as they do about the seaPreparation matters, but humility matters moreThe ocean isn’t evil — it’s just indifferentChapters:00:00 – This Should NEVER Have Happened at Sea…01:30 – The Guy Who Studies Shipwrecks for a Living04:30 – He Turned Disaster Into a Career07:00 – Why Shipwrecks Always Follow the Same Pattern10:30 – 2,000 Ships Lost Here… Why?!14:00 – Why “Overnight Success” Is a Lie18:30 – He Sailed Around the World With NOTHING22:30 – No GPS. No Compass. No Chance?27:00 – How Do You Navigate… With Zero Instruments?32:00 – He Recruited Crew With THIS Crazy Offer38:00 – The Reality of Life at Sea (It’s Brutal)45:00 – The Shipwreck That Should Have Been Avoided55:00 – One Decision Killed Everyone On Board01:05:00 – The Moment He Ignored the Warning Signs01:18:00 – The Ocean Doesn’t Care If You’re Ready01:25:00 – The Biggest Lesson From Every ShipwreckHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.coGet Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.