Author: Lloyd, Michael
Entertainingly Written by Captain Michael Lloyd, and drawing on his own extensive experiences from 50 years at sea (retiring in 2007), this book will amuse, provoke and inform on the subject of commanding a ship.
This book provides a valuable insight into the challenges faced by the new captain. Scattered throughout with checklists, 'must do' lists and 'whatever you do, don't forget' lists, the book manages to be both useful and highly readable.
Michael ensures that anyone who reads this book will not forget the realities faced by those who sail off to the four corners, someone who is largely ignored until something goes wrong but who is constantly managing and worrying about the conditions and safety of those who sail with him.
Faced with unhelpful port authorities, recalcitrant chefs and crews with barely a word of English between them, Michael makes this book less a collection of war stories and more a very real guide to dealing with the difficulties of each new situation.
...its contents make rather fascinating reading for anyone. Ambitious in its scope, the book covers all aspects of the captains role from seamanship to management... it certainly serves to underline the amazing level of 'multi skilling' required of contemporary captains.
Nautilus Telegraph
He pulls no punches in his criticism of the way in which some ships are administered, managed and operated today...but, this book is not about negativity, it offers much positive advice to make life easier for the newly promoted master and his crew, not only in terms of how a ship is administered, managed and operated but also in respect to the safety, wellbeing and morale of the crew. It is not a novel for 'bedtime reading' it is not a novel, but the story that is told it is certainly not fiction. It is not a textbook, nor is it a comprehensive guide on how to be the good shipmaster. It merely reflects the thoughts of one shipmaster who has accumulated a wealtho of command experience and who wishes to pass on that experience to others.
The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, London.
Publication date: 01 Nov 2007
Paperback
