Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories.

Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories.

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Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories. episodes

  • Anchorage to Victoria: An Alaskan Adventure and Drydock Diaries

    In this episode of Beyond the Engine, Rob shares a captivating account of his journey from the UK to the rugged beauty of Anchorage, Alaska, to join the iconic Pacific Princess. Listeners will feel like they’re along for the ride as Rob describes the breathtaking descent into Anchorage, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast wilderness.

    Once aboard, Rob dives into the unique experience of sailing along the Alaskan coastline, where towering glaciers, lush forests, and abundant wildlife set the stage for an unforgettable voyage. From humpback whales breaching beside the ship to the ethereal blue of the glaciers, he brings the magic of Alaska to life.
    The story takes a technical turn as the Pacific Princess reaches Victoria, Canada, for her scheduled drydock. Rob provides an insider’s perspective on the meticulous planning and coordination involved in transitioning a cruise ship to maintenance mode. He shares vivid accounts of the work in the shipyard, from routine repairs to the unexpected surprises that always seem to arise during drydock.
    Throughout the episode, Rob introduces the cast of characters who made the journey memorable:

    13 min
  • From Miami to Norfolk: The Drydock Adventure of Rob’s SGM
    In this episode Rob takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes journey of his time as a Sea going maintenance (SGM) aboard the P&0 Sky Princess. The story begins in bustling Miami, where the ship was bustling with life, ready to transition to its scheduled drydock in Norfolk, Virginia.
    Rob recounts the logistical challenges of coordinating such a move, sharing insights into the preparation needed for transitioning a ship from full operation to maintenance mode. Along the way, he paints vivid pictures of the people who made the journey memorable.
    One of the most dramatic moments of the episode involves a serious issue with the steam lines. Rob dives into the harrowing tale of discovering a fault that threatened to disrupt operations—and how the team worked tirelessly to resolve it. From diagnosing the problem to executing a creative, last-minute fix, it’s a story of teamwork, quick thinking, and a bit of shipboard ingenuity.
    Throughout, Rob reflects on the unique camaraderie of life at sea, the challenges of balancing leadership with the technical demands of the job, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving Miami’s warm shores for the industrial hum of Norfolk’s shipyards.
    11 min
  • On the Radar: A Fitter's Tale in 1980s Northern Ireland
    In this episode, Rob takes us back to 1980, where he worked as a fitter on radar systems at a tightly secured RAF base in Northern Ireland. He shares fascinating insights into the high-level security measures in place during the height of The Troubles, giving listeners a glimpse into life behind the wire.
    Amid the seriousness of military operations, Rob recounts a lighthearted moment involving a surprise rugby match that turned into an unforgettable event—and how a new pair of boots played an unexpected role in the story. Tune in for a mix of history, humor, and personal memories that capture the unique atmosphere of life on an RAF base during a turbulent time in Northern Ireland’s history.
    Perfect for fans of military history, personal stories, and a touch of nostalgia.
    10 min
  • The San Fran to Acapulco SGM Chronicles 1991
    In this laugh-out-loud episode of Beyond the Engine Room, Rob takes us back to his SGM days aboard the Sky Princess as it sailed from the misty bays of San Francisco to the vibrant beaches of Acapulco.
    With the Pacific breeze whipping across the decks, the crew faced long hours, constant repairs, and the occasional burst pipe—but that didn’t stop Rob from injecting some fun into the chaos.
    He shares the tale of a cheeky $20 bet with a crewmate that saw him racing off to Senor Frog’s in Mazatlán for an extended “lunch break,” revealing his winning move in the most hilarious fashion. We’ll also hear about a particularly rowdy crew bar night, the challenge of navigating work amidst unexpected fiestas, and how the allure of tacos and tequila always seemed to pull the team ashore.
    Whether you’re a cruise ship enthusiast or just love a good story of mischief on the high seas, this episode dives into the camaraderie, hijinks, and occasional chaos of life below deck. Tune in to find out how Rob and his crew kept the ship running—and themselves laughing—all the way to Acapulco.
    10 min
  • Bombay to Athens Adventure on the Island Princess 1993
    Step aboard the P&O Island Princess with Rob as he recounts his unforgettable SGM (Sea Going Maintenance) voyage from Bombay to Athens.
    Along the way, Rob shares tales of life at sea, the camaraderie of the crew, and the unique challenges of ship maintenance on the move.
    From navigating cultural treasures to navigating barbecue disasters (hello, “The Flying Pig”), this episode is a delightful mix of humor, history, and adventure on the high seas!
    13 min
  • From Portland to the Sun-Kissed Mexican Coast
    Set sail with Rob as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1991 for an unforgettable sea-going maintenance mission. Starting at the Swan Island Shipyard in Portland, Oregon, Rob joins the P&O Fair Princess on a journey down to Los Angeles and then onward to the sun-drenched shores of the Mexican Riviera.
    This episode takes you through the ship’s voyage to stunning destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán.
    Along the way, hear about life onboard, the camaraderie with his coworkers, and the vibrant experiences that made this trip truly memorable. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast or love tales of adventure, this episode is your ticket to the past
    16 min
  • Intro to season 2

    Step into the world of grease, grit, and globetrotting in Beyond the Engine Room, where Rob takes you on a lively journey through his career as a Marine Fitter from the UK. This isn’t just a podcast about engine repairs; it’s a deep dive into the unique and colorful life of a man who’s seen it all from the decks of ships to bustling ports around the world.

    Hear tales of unforgettable characters Rob has worked alongside—some inspiring, others outright eccentric. Explore the diverse ports of call he’s visited, from vibrant city harbors to hidden coastal gems. Above all, laugh along with Rob as he recounts his most humorous (and occasionally misfortunate) adventures in foreign lands.

    Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, a traveler at heart, or someone who loves a good laugh, Beyond the Engine Room is your ticket to an entertaining and nostalgic voyage. Set sail with Rob—stories this good are worth the listen.

    1 min
  • Below Deck: Tales from the SS Canberra

    Join us as Rob takes us back to his days working aboard the iconic SS Canberra in the 1980s and 1990s. From grueling engine room shifts during shipyard refits to unexpected adventures on the German Autobahn, Rob shares the highs, the lows, and the hilarious moments in between.

    Hear about darts matches with the locals in Bremerhaven, a culinary encounter with Goanese curry, and the art of surviving long shifts with good humor (and maybe the occasional company-funded meal).

    It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life below deck on one of Britain’s most beloved liners. Don’t miss this dive into maritime memories!

    14 min
  • Anchorage to Vancouver , Sailing the Alaskan coast 1990

    Step aboard the Sea Princess in 1990 and join Rob, a marine fitter, as he shares his adventures sailing the rugged Alaskan coastline. Starting in Anchorage, this journey takes us through charming coastal towns, where the wild beauty of Alaska meets the daily grind below deck.

    Rob recounts his time exploring the unique ports, the camaraderie of the crew, and the unforgettable moments at sea. The trip concludes in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where work gave way to adventure and discovery. Don’t miss this tale of hard work, breathtaking landscapes, and life on the Sea Princess.

    14 min
  • From Hong Kong to Singapore via the Islands
    In 1991, Rob embarked on an unforgettable South East Asia journey aboard the Pacific Princess. Setting sail from the bustling port of Hong Kong, the ship cruised southward, gliding through turquoise waters and weaving through islands along the Malaysian and Indonesian coasts.
    Each stop offered a new adventure, from lush jungles and bustling local markets to serene beaches dotted with fishing boats. Rob immersed himself in the rich blend of cultures, sampling exotic flavors, and experiencing the unique blend of traditions, sights, and sounds of these tropical destinations.
    As the ship sailed on, the sea itself became an endless source of wonder—vibrant sunsets, distant volcanic islands silhouetted against the horizon, and the gentle roll of waves under a warm, humid breeze.
    Finally, after an exploration-packed journey, the Pacific Princess entered the port of Sembawang in Singapore, where it would undergo a transformation in drydock.
    There, Rob witnessed the impressive operations of the shipyard, watching as the vessel was tended to with meticulous care. It was a fitting close to a remarkable journey, where his adventures onshore were matched only by the sights and experiences along the storied maritime route.
    12 min

About Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories.

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Welcome to Beyond the Engine room: The Sea-Going Life of a Maintenance Fitter.