Beyond the Engine Room: Rob’s SGM stories.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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!