Explore every episode of the podcast Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories.

In this episode, we follow Rob’s 1990 journey aboard the P&O Pacific Princess, where he served as a marine fitter, navigating the technical demands of sea-going maintenance while traveling to the stunning Hawaiian Islands and on to the port of Vancouver.

In Hawaii, Rob caught glimpses of paradise as the ship docked, with its lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant harbors—all briefly enjoyed between shifts spent ensuring the ship’s mechanical heart ran smoothly.

Arriving later in Vancouver, Rob experienced a stark contrast to Hawaii’s tropical warmth. Though his stay in Vancouver was short, the city’s bustling port, set against its dramatic mountain backdrop, left a lasting impression. This episode captures Rob’s unique perspective on these two destinations—one rich with island allure, the other with urban and natural beauty.

Join us as Rob recounts his unforgettable SGM experience working as a fitter on the P&O Sky Princess while touring the stunning Caribbean. In this episode, Rob dives into the vibrant island life, literally, as he takes on SCUBA diving for the first time, exploring colorful reefs and marine life beneath the warm Caribbean waters. Not one to miss a chance for some competition, Rob also laces up to play football for Team Great Britain in a friendly match, sharing stories of camaraderie and rivalry against the locals and other crews. Along the way, he’s captivated by the beautiful islands, with their lush landscapes and sunlit beaches, and he shares memorable encounters with locals who welcomed him with open arms. From sandy shores to seaside bars, each island brought a new adventure, a fresh story, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss this episode of Beyond the Engine Room as Rob relives these Caribbean highlights and the magic of life at sea.

In this episode, Rob takes us back to 1990 for a lively journey down the Eastern U.S. coast aboard the P&O Sky Princess. Starting in New York City and cruising south to Miami. Rob shares colorful tales of the unforgettable characters he met along the way, from his crewmates Doc, Ten till Two, Smudger, and Wyndham to local cops, quirky dockworkers, and eccentric passengers. With a mix of humorous encounters—like the playful "arrest" in Savannah—and memorable moments on and off the ship, this episode brings the vibrant ports and lively characters of that era to life.

In this episode, Rob recounts his unforgettable journey as he flies from the UK to Fall River, Massachusetts, to join the private yacht Welsh Princess. He is ready to dive into the work below deck but quickly finds that there’s more to this trip than just fixing engines! From navigating the cultural quirks between UK English and American English to hilarious misunderstandings with the crew. Rob’s got stories that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even appreciate a bit of British slang. Tune in to hear about life on the water, the unexpected challenges of cross-cultural communication, and the unique camaraderie that only the open sea can inspire.

In this episode of Beyond the Engine Room, Rob takes us back to a bitterly cold winter of 1986, where he found himself in Rendsburg, Germany, at a shipyard on the banks of the Kiel Canal. The mission? Preparing the Stena Seatrader for her next journey and keeping her in peak condition through brutal northern temperatures and challenging conditions. Rob shares a vivid look at life behind the scenes—working alongside the engine room crew, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the intricate machinery that kept the vessel running. From braving the biting winds of the German winter to adapting to the quirks of the Seatrader, this story captures the heart of life aboard a working ship in one of Europe's coldest winters. Join us as we explore the camaraderie, the hard work, and the spirit that thrives beyond the engine room.

In this episode, Rob takes us back to 1984, when he embarked on a life-changing journey that combined hard work, sea travel, and European adventure. Join us as he shares his story of setting out from London to join a cruise ship in Barcelona and the fascinating—and often gritty—experiences that followed. From the challenges of keeping things running smoothly in the sweltering boiler room to navigating port life in iconic cities across Europe, Rob gives an insider’s view into the world of cruise line maintenance and life below deck. Tune in to hear tales of sweaty days in the engine room, the camaraderie among the crew, and Rob’s favorite European ports of call, each with its own unique charm and adventure. This episode offers a glimpse into the unseen side of cruise life, complete with sea spray, steel, and the excitement of new destinations around every corner!

In this episode, we travel back to 1984 when Rob took on an adventurous sea-going maintenance job that took him from London to Mobile, Alabama. Boarding the Stena Seatrader, Rob joined the crew for a unique journey across the Atlantic, handling the ins and outs of maritime life as he worked alongside a skilled team. Once they arrived in Alabama, the ship docked for dry-dock repairs, giving Rob the chance to get up close and personal with the gritty and vital maintenance needed to keep the vessel seaworthy. Tune in to hear Rob's stories of life at sea, navigating shipboard duties, and experiencing life in Mobile's vibrant port. From the thrill of ocean travel to the hands-on work of dry dock, it’s an episode filled with maritime memories and Rob's reflections on an unforgettable job.

In this captivating episode, follow young Rob as he embarks on his first sea-going maintenance adventure aboard the M/V Galini. Boarding the vessel in Dunkirk, Rob steps into the unknown, ready to take on the challenges of life at sea. He shares the thrill of setting sail, the camaraderie with fellow crew members, and the hard work of maintaining the ship as it navigates across the notorious Bay of Biscay. As he learns the ropes—both literal and figurative—Rob discovers the beauty and danger of open waters. His journey reaches its peak as they finally dock on the historic island of Malta, where he experiences the satisfaction of his first successful trip and the anticipation of adventures to come.

In 1975, sixteen-year-old Rob begins his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner in a dry dock in Cardiff, South Wales. Step into his shoes as he navigates the gritty world of shipbuilding, from learning the ropes in the noisy, bustling workshop to discovering the quirks of life in the shipyard. This podcast follows Rob's early days of hard work and humorous mishaps, guided by seasoned tradesmen with tales of adventure and challenge from their years at sea. Inspired by these stories, Rob finds himself dreaming of a future beyond the docks—a life on the open ocean, traveling the world as part of a Sea Going Maintenance crew.