The Amazing Evolution of Lifeboats: From Titanic to Today!

Have you ever wondered how lifeboats work to save people in emergency situations at sea? Lifeboats are crucial for maritime safety, providing a means of evacuation and rescue for those on board a ship in distress. From their design to their operation, we will analyse the workings of these vital vessels and explore the lifesaving technology that goes into ensuring the safety of those at sea. Join us as we answer the question: How do lifeboats work?
00:00 INTRO
01:04 First use of a lifeboat
04:27 Lowering a lifeboat from deck
06:40 Lifeboats today
08:22 Buoyancy and stability
08:44 Enclosed structure
09:06 Safety and survival equipment
09:38 Capacity and seating
10:14 Launch and recovery systems
12:09 Freefall lifeboats
15:34 OUTRO
Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels- from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history's most famous ocean liners and machines!
#lifeboats #safetyatsea #maritime #rescue #boating #safety #explore #ocean #sailing #emergency #howitworks #seasafety #ship #explainer #lifejacket #sos #waterrescue #crew #practice #preparedness #titanic #oceanlinerdesigns #mikebrady #history #facts #ship

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Some modern lifeboats are pretty much sci-fi escape pods minus the actually going into space part.

[@BrownEyePinch]

Maybe we are in space already?

[@BNuts]

And minus the circus bears and bearded lady, I would guess. The evacuation scene from _SpaceBalls_ is still among its comedic genius.

[@philtkaswahl2124]

@@BNuts >And minus the circus bears and bearded lady, I would guess. It'll be fine. The Schwartz is with us.

[@Bikelife_LX]

Maybe they are going to "space"😂

[@anthonyduffy6953]

The ocean may aswell be space for how well we survive in it. (Without a boat)

[@LordMephiston40k]

Old Lifeboat: like lowering a sleeping baby to bed New Lifeboat: Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

[@fluffehgamer4712]

Lmaooo

[@c0mpu73rguy]

NGL, that's what would terrify me the most if I ever have to go in a modern lifeboat. I don't go on roller coasters for a reason.

[@user-gu8qi4me8x]

​@@c0mpu73rguyI actually genuinely agree with you

[@speedy01247]

​@@c0mpu73rguynot the fact that the ship you are leaving is sinking?

[@c0mpu73rguy]

@@speedy01247 Unless it’s sinking very fast clearly telling me that the lifeboat drop is the better option, I seriously doubt my survival instincts on that one XD

[@orenalbertmeisel3127]

I like how you still manage to pump out interesting videos despite your channel being very niche to begin with

[@792slayer]

Perhaps the videos are interesting because we have niche interests, friend. 😂

[@jaysdood]

IKR, I have almost zero interest in ships but our friend Mike Brady still manages to reel me in.😊

[@user-oy8bs9xx3b]

Right? They aren't repetitive either, like I never thought about lifeboats before and this video was very interesting. It's why we're subbed!

[@AFNacapella]

those early coast guards must've been a special kind of people, rowing out into the roughest seas with only oil gear and some cork strapped around them

[@dieselfan7406]

They still do - they're called the RNLI, brave volunteers.

[@philhawley1219]

@@dieselfan7406 Unfortunately their endeavours today are misused by the government.

[@thelandofnod123]

ALL coast guards are a special breed and deserve all the accolades and money that can be mustered. It’s just a shame we value as a society someone posing in a rainforest more than them, or nurses or aged car workers or paramedics or fire fighters ect ect ect. Fore shame.

[@qbi4614]

Not this little black duck!

[@Mr.beansholiday]

​​@@thelandofnod123 u really like kissing ass dont u

[@williamcarter1993]

I'm a simple man: I hear our friend Mike Brady. I upvote and watch.

[@zainmudassir2964]

Our dear friend, Brady

[@BrownEyePinch]

Has simple mind like child?

[@sebcat04]

Upvote? Should've known you were from Reddit, I can smell you from here.

[@The_Robbing_Narrator]

I can smell the reddit user from my phone

[@jamieblanche3963]

Amen

[@Darth_Barnaby]

When your friend (non optional) Mike Brady uploads a new video, you always learn something new

[@JamesCarmichael]

I remember watching the footage of the Costa Concordia sinking and what really stuck me was all the difficulties they had launching those modern lifeboats. Even with all the advances in technology they still hadn't solved the issue of launching boats out of a listing ship safely. This video is fascinating. In some respects the lifeboats of today are far more advanced than the ships of time past. At least in an abstract technical sense.

[@zombieshoot4318]

The reality is there is no safe way to launch lifeboats from a severely listing ship. The people on Costa Concordia lucked out that the wind pushed the ship towards the island. Had the wind pushed her further out to sea that ship would have capsized and taken thousands of people with her to the bottom.

[@cassidyguzman3043]

That’s because it listed and if they tried to load people on it and launch it…. Yikes

[@kenrfc]

I kept thinking of the Costa Concordia as I was watching this video. Then at the end when he says "...Fortunately, modern safety features like radar and advanced navigation systems have lessened the need for lifeboats at all..." I just rolled my eyes.

[@zombieshoot4318]

@@kenrfc well he’s right as long as humans aren’t involved. 😂

[@qbi4614]

Costa Concordia is a different can of worms

[@martinsmith1850]

I was chief electrical engineer at Welin Davit who had a tie up with Harding lifeboats. Many interesting design aspects - for clarity the decent is controlled by centrifugal brakes within the winch that limit the speed once a weighted lever is raised, no power required for launching just for recovery. Same applies to fast resuce craft with semi rigid boats. Enclosed lifeboats for offshore etc have an external sprinkler system plus air cylinders to provide a positive pressure air supply for the interior occupants and engine for a period of time at full throttle as governed by SOLAS regs. Hydrostatic release hook’s that automatically release the boat from wire ropes when entering the water. Dual independent engine starter systems required for emergencies such as twin electric (duplicating everything) and electric plus hydraulic backup using a compressed accumulator system and foot switch valve (a good workout to re-pressurise by hand) etc etc - an interesting micro world aimed at saving lives at sea

[@jagerdergroe8604]

"Modern passenger ships only require fully enclosed lifeboats for 75% of the ships company...." Hey I've seen this one before, this is a classic!

[@Wintermute909]

I was really surprised at that! I'd love to know what both the offical and unofficial reasoning was .

[@ericreese7792]

@@Wintermute909 It's expected that inflatable rafts will make up the difference and that, on a busy seaway, help will rarely be far.

[@pozzee2809]

The Captain can use the inflatable 👍🏻

[@aevangel1]

Surprised at this, thinking we would have learned the lessons of history and required something like 110% of full passenger capacity.

[@kianapoipoi5375]

​@aevangel1 Modern day life rafts are very safe and quick to launch + inflate, and vessels are required to carry enough rafts to hold well over full capacity. I work on a ship and we have in life rafts ALONE the capacity to hold twice as many passengers as needed. On top of that we also have the non-inflatable life boats highlighted in this video which do not account for full capacity, however its something close to 75%, and would be deployed first in emergency as on a normal sailing would be likely to hold all passengers anyway. The reason we favour life rafts is for many reasons, but im guessing it is mostly because they are compact, can hold more people, can be loaded quicker, and also are completely covered from above. I am terrified of the ocean but I feel extremely safe with the abandonment procedures of this day. The 75% number sounds worrisome but do not be mistaken, as far as I know all passenger vessels are required to hold enough rafts and boats to accommodate for at least 200% capacity. Although I do not have the SOLAS manual in front of me so I may be mistaken.

[@sabrinastratton1991]

We were on a state ferry and i pointed to the boys where muster stations are and how they have life rafts rather than lifeboats. We go theough what to do in an emergency every single time we board, eyeing out where lifejackets are, where the evacuation points and what to listen for (horn blasts) to determine what kind of emergency. They found it funny that ferries have rafts rather than boats, but each raft can hold up to 100 people

[@InventorZahran]

Ferries, by definition, are usually operating in close proximity to land, in a channel or across a lake or bay. Therefore there's less of a need for lifeboats equipped for open-ocean survival, and the chances of a swift rescue are higher when close to the coast.

[@sabrinastratton1991]

@@InventorZahran doesnt mean you cant be aware of your surroundings and not know what to do in an emergency. There have been several shipwrecks close to land with loss of life like the Atlantic, Eastland, Artic being good examples. If anything those disasters show me you cant just rely being close to land or other vessels to save you. Know your way out and know your way to evacuate safely.

[@FreedomIII]

​@@sabrinastratton1991You're doing parenting right. Knowing how to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you is so important, especially in such a hostile environment as the water.

[@iwantcrawfish6110]

I used to be a lifeboat technical engineer for Palfinger marine. got to go all over the place to countless ports, civilian ships, navel vessels, oil rigs, oil platforms, and yachts. work never ran out but it could be very very stressful because lives depend on you to do a perfect job when working and servicing lifeboats. my favorite part was testing the lifeboat launch systems though.

[@GermanGreetings]

Colin Archer from Norway deserves it, to be mentioned here. The Constructor of the famous polar-explorer ''FRAM'', used by Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Colin Archer whitnessed the high numbers of casualties among coastas rescue men. So he developed his worldwide known, very seaworthy `Redningssköyte`... robust boats, born for heavy weather. Thank you so much for your videos here on YT, Sir !

[@DrivermanO]

So does Grace Darling!

[@rob1tnt]

Great to start the day with my friend Mike Brady!

[@BrownEyePinch]

Facebook ruined the true meaning of a friend

[@BastuGubbar]

Mike brady? From oceanliner designs?

[@thelandofnod123]

@@BastuGubbarThat’s him.

[@thelandofnod123]

Even better to finish it with a cleansing red wine and Mike (even without his Double Windsor 😊)

[@danesorensen1775]

That's the difference between me and my friend Mike Brady: I would ONLY be willing to ride a freefall lifeboat for fun.

[@jordanpeterson5140]

I'll ride the Yeetboat.

[@kojinaoftheinvertedeye810]

See? Why ride Splash Mountain when you can ride the far more thrilling freefall lifeboat?

[@FolgoreCZ]

So... if you were in a life-or-death situation, you would refuse to ride it? I get what you mean, but your choice of words wasn't the best. ;-)

[@IntrepidMilo]

I have been in both free-fall and Davit-launched lifeboats. Both have their benefits and differences.

[@InventorZahran]

Just how uncomfortable is the moment when a free-fall boat hits the water? Are those shock-absorbing seats really effective?

[@IntrepidMilo]

@@InventorZahran Actually because you are facing backward it's not that bad, you are strapped into the seat pretty tight.

[@ulie1960]

@@InventorZahran If I judge this by look on the faces of the people on board in the video my son showed me from his experience in one of those freefall boats (during his safety course at the school he attended while on his route to become an seafarer. Currently he is studying nautic to become a officer and finally a captain of a ship) the most uncomfortable moments are those just before launch when you are waiting for it. When the hook is released it's just a short Yeeee.... and then a splash and a few up and down bobbings until the boat is stable in the water. The lenght of the Yeee of cours depends on the place where the lifeboat ramp is installed. Correct me if I'm wrong but on some of those oil rigs in the north sea it can be 40 meter and more of free fall.....

[@davidrudd9846]

Back in the late 70s I served on the USS Sacramento. AOE 1. We told to go in the lifeboat to update the survival gear to our surprise the 'gear' consisted of WW2 C rations cigarettes all from WW2 including all water cans (rusted through) The Sacramento was built in 1963. Never knew if these survival rations were the originals or not but they were all manufactured in 1943

[@angelaowen1513]

😂😮 - Someone never checked on that sooner? Good thing you didn’t have to use them before then! Out of sight out of mind I guess.

[@davidrudd9846]

@@angelaowen1513 It really shocked us no records

[@angelaowen1513]

Wow! Over 30 years…

[@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain]

Imagine you ship sinking and your in the life boats only to find out you’re stuck with 30 year old C rations. The ultimate indignity!

[@davidrudd9846]

@@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain I truly believe because the Sacramento was an ammunition oiler almost 1000 feet in length that an attack and hit in realistic terms would utterly blow the entire ship into oblivion with no or very little chance of crew survival . The reason is most of the 'oil' we carried was JP jet fuel and at that time the Navy still used NavGas and the volatility of this stuff is unbelievable. Phased out 1980 ?? Brass connections and brass wrenches No Sparks!!!

[@Walker_TR2]

Ah, it's a great start to the day when my friend, Mike Brady from Oceanliner Designs uploads. Great video as always, Mike and crew!

[@BryanM63]

The life raft piece reminds me of when we were doing survival at sea training in the Australian Navy. We were first taught in a classroom, and instructed in the launch procedure before going on to the deck of a moored ship for practical training. The raft is launched and then inflated by the pulling of a 15m+ painter line to initiate the inflation. However when launching from the deck we were to first pull 2-3m of the line out before pushing the raft overboard. I was chosen out of the class of about 20 and given the honour to unclasp the raft and start pulling the line out. At this point and to the surprise of us all, especially me, even before the raft had left its cradle it burst out of it's shell as it started to prematurely inflate😮, much to the entertainment of my fellow recruits. We were then instructed to immediately push the still inflating raft over the side where it landed upside down in the freezing water. The groaning and laughter from the rest of the class I can still hear all these years later.😳 Later the instructor found that the painter line had been cut short, to not much more than a metre. I was off the hook 🙂

[@Cuccos19]

When I was working on Queen Victoria there was a manual for lifeboat operation in the crew mess. When I had time I thoroughfully studied that from the beginning to the end. I like that kind of technical manuals, so I just really enjoyed that what others would find boring.

[@user-et2xc2ww6q]

The modern lifeboats are certainly impressive Mike , and so is your channel .

[@matthewcreelman1347]

I once exited a burning ferry to a lifeboat. Going down the slide to the lifeboat was kinda fun.

[@trissi_ghg]

You know that the day is saved when an oceanliner Designs Video is uploaded.❤

[@scot60]

I took an Italian MSC cruise in 2017 and one of these orange enclosed life boats was attached to its own crane type device right outside my balcony. It was an impressive design. I thought of the Titanic victims when looking at it.

[@JoeJaJoeJoe]

If you're ever in a lifeboat, take the seasickness pills right away! Once the adrenaline wears off, the nausea kicks in and you definitely don't want vomit in the boat

[@DarthKay093]

Love listening to you talk about details I had no idea about while I am doing my chores at home. You make time go much faster + gains more knowledge Respect from a subscriber in Sweden 🇸🇪

[@MarvelMTs]

Me: Okay, KZbin, pre-work entertainment please. *New Oceanliner Designs Upload* Nothing can ruin my day now, awesome upload as always Mike!

[@budwhite9591]

I went on my first cruise ever last May. 37 years old with my wife and 2 daughters. Royal Caribbean Independence OTS. I was very impressed. And my favorite deck was the 4th. Not new to being on the ocean, but never been on anything so huge. I can’t wait to do it again

[@cruisinguy6024]

Cruising is such a magical experience although Royal is getting a little ridiculous with the size of their ships. I think the sweet spot is the mid-large size ships not the behemoths.

[@SchneiderGeorge]

This video took me back to my many years working on cruise ships as a musician. As a crew member, I had to go through many drills and training sessions. I don't know how dependable I'd have been in an emergency, but at least I had the training.

[@swerve.racetrack]

Good news! My friend, Mike Brady from Oceanliner Designs, has uploaded a new video! And, as always its well done, interesting and a pure joy to watch after a day of boring work.

[@SaturnCanuck]

That was great Mike. I kept thinking those free-fall lifeboats are like the Escape Pod in Star Wars.

[@lilpotato7428]

Handsome and a passionate historian. As a fellow historian I love this channel. The info is so nicely presented and Mike’s calm but engaged manner keeps your interest. Been following maritime history for a while (not my historical specialty) but this one is definitely one of (if not) the best.

[@johnserious706]

Thanks, Mike Brady. You prove to be a valuable friend in each video. So friendly and polite and sharply dressed and informative.

[@toddkurzbard]

A FASCINATING look at how much lifeboats have advanced and changed. I'm astonished of how far we've come from lifeboats like the TITANIC had.

[@jenniferingle888]

I fell in love with this channel the very first video I watched. I genuinely get excited when I get the notification of a new video! I have always been fascinated by Titanic and her story. Thank you for making such wonderful content!

[@richardstarkey2247]

I love how you explain both verbally and with visuals how things work and what's going on in all your videos across this channel. It really helps us in the audience understand the concepts we otherwise might not be familar with. Your passion for this subject is obvious and contagious. I really enjoy your content!

[@sascharai1335]

It's always a great day when I come back from work to find a new video from my friend, Mike Brady

[@tylerhalloran9158]

I wake up and I see my friend Mike Brady from oceanliner designs And I know it's a good day

[@HandyMan657]

Thanks for the episode, Mike. Fair winds

[@David-ws4it]

Thank you Mike! I never tire of your videos. Appreciate you and the team's work.

[@straswa]

Great work Oceanliner Designs, very insightful.

[@mg1342mg]

How nice to see a gentleman who shaves, and puts on a waistcoat and tie! More importantly, thank you for not saying "like" 3-4 times a sentence.

[@raymillar1499]

Thanks Mike for another great video. As an ex seaman and oil rig worker I was always grateful to have modern lifeboats on board.

[@stevenschultz714]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. This is hands down one of the most interesting informative channels I’ve ever seen. I learned more about wreaks I thought I knew about in school. Keep up the incredible work!

[@speedyf40]

Today, I get to learn about lifeboats! 🎉

[@SpirosKaravidas]

Thanks for the info mike! keep up the good work!

[@elizabethramirez4291]

I have been wanting a video like this for so long, thank you Mike Brady.

[@magnemoe1]

Did not know that they used life boats on cruise ships to go ashore but it makes sense and kind of double as an relaxed life boat drill.

[@tutracrafty]

Those are a special kind called "semi enclosed lifeboats" with more ventilation and better amenities. They also have 2 engines and sometimes a bow thrusters to make maneuvering easier. The standard lifeboat will have a single screw and won't be very easy to maneuver.

[@kevista117]

Yo! Clive Palmer is at it again with his Titanic II. 😂

[@plaina3806]

I wonder what BSF has to say about this???

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

Really interesting and reassuring for everyone who goes to sea. Thanks

[@joelmann4623]

I’m always surprised by how people outside the US say aluminum… Excellent video, Mike!

[@bradlevantis913]

I’m in the Coast Guard. One of the most fun courses I have ever done is the marine survival training program. Using different lifeboats and in particular launching them while on board is an absolutely fantastic experience. And the abandon ship pool simulator is another great one. Take it if you can at a good quality simulator. You need the darkness, waves and thunder/lightning

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Mike, great video. I've always been fascinated with lifeboats and sea survival skills and stories! Thank you again

[@tyreni]

I'm so thankful for modern lifeboat tech. Your other videos have explained too well the horror of launching old lifeboats in chaotic situations.

[@ERM2K8]

Insane engineering! Love this channel!

[@bgw33]

Always pleased when your channel shows up in my feed.🎉

[@julieputney4317]

This is a fascinating episode! I'm always very interested in how things work. Thanks, friend Mike 🙂

[@dca73]

EXCELLENT , Mike. Thank you !

[@Jesusiscominglive777]

Wow it's amazing how much they changed and much safer thank you for sharing this

[@littlebirdie3685]

Easy to understand & very interesting. Thanks!

[@giannidcenzo]

Thank you my friend Mike Brady!

[@Reg4x4]

Fantastic 😍 thanks for that sir. Enjoyable as always

[@applejacks971]

I really like the new intro music and sequence. The ship horn coming in on the last note of the tune is timed perfectly. Well done!

[@digitaal_boog]

My town has a naval college. There’s a lifeboat on a davit (or whatever the modern equivalent is) and they have the students deploy it. Kinda fun seeing it, especially when they screw up

[@pheline24]

Interesting and vital topic, however this is the first video I’ve seen on it. Thanks for trailblazing!

[@Lcngopher]

I remember watching some lifeboats being lowered on my cruise last year. One of the stops didnt have a dock big enough for the ship to dock so we were tendered in on one of the lifeboats or some local ferrys

[@MrToaster747]

A sublime video as always! Absolutely love your content Mike!!!!! Keep up the good work! You're by far my most favorite KZbinr ever! ❤

[@donny8619]

I’ve been waiting for the lifeboat episode. Cheers mike

[@lunawenko9324]

Excellent video, as always.

[@thephantom2man]

Wahey, another mike upload! On the subject of life boats, i found it interesting that sea harriers on at least british carriers, had dual purpose engine inlet covers. They were also actually life rafts!

[@petermower5708]

Great video!! Very interesting bit of maritime info that I’ve never really thought about before.

[@Dakiraun]

Very cool to see/learn how much more advanced the lifeboats have become.

[@OmegaPaladin144]

Excellent video! Those free fall lifeboats get plenty of use on oil rigs, when you may need to bail out before it explodes... Mike - a video idea: how about talking about horns and whistles on ships, particularly ocean liners? How they work, how the they are used, etc.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Hi Mike, thank you for another interesting video. When I went on my first cruise in 1968 on the Australis the motorised lifeboats were used as tenders, we were exposed to the sun and heat on the ride ashore and back to the ship. From what I remember some boats were propelled by a sort of crank arrangement operated by the people in the lifeboat. During the sinking of the Wahine, which I watched from Seatoun beach, the lifeboat which arrived there seemed very big indeed and getting the survivors off the boat was not that easy even though this beach was relatively sheltered. Having been on several cruises in recent years and used the tenders I can say that there has been a great improvement in lifeboat design and comfort although they are quite crowded with about 120 people aboard.

[@thereturnofthegods]

Every time you put a video up its damn work of art. Superb work buddy!!!

[@michaelmason4206]

Great video Mike thanks.

[@Mizai]

this is a perfect video you made no sponsors or unnecessary stuff thanks

[@ATR-42]

such a well made video i really enjoyed this Mike!

[@brianoneil9662]

Your presentation is impeccable. Love your channel!

[@pattaccone5347]

Amazing video as usual 👏🏽👏🏽

[@Hunting380]

I had a dream about life boats after watching a ton of your videos last night, then the life boat video dropped and it blew my mind 😂🤯

[@David-ws4it]

Thank you again

[@janneaalto3956]

Having had a deep interest in the history of worksafety and disasters from when I learned to read, I can say lifeboats and their release instructions are the one thing at the top of my list of points of interest on any ship I happen to get on.

[@wingmanjim6]

Excellent once again !!!

[@Avlarrr1988]

I always enjoy learning and watching videos from my friend, Mike Brady, from Oceanliner Designs.

[@dprkassassin1876]

200 year anniversary for RNLI today... Keep the videos coming! Australian guy....

[@BryanLikesCandy]

Love your work as always, Mike & Team. The quality is so good I find myself forgetting that its KZbin and not Nebula!

[@cjmarsh504]

I used to drive these lifeboats every week because of the crew drills we have. This is when I used to work in NCL America from 2005 to 2007. They also use the tenders/ lifeboats to get to Kona, or Lahina, Hawaii at the time.

[@mingbotlarue5694]

Fascinating!

[@sophiaalexiadis8362]

Great video. Thanks Mike. 😊

[@IKS-Exploration]

Great video as always :) ❤

[@ObliByMe]

Sheesh that intro animation was clean as hell! ❤️

[@AnnoyedSonic]

I have no interest in boats and similar stuff and yet I can't stop watching this channel because the videos are so well put together

[@captain-kompass]

The topic rescue equipment is really interesting and important. A video about the history of rescue ships like those from the RLNI or DGzRS would be the cherry on this maritime safety cake.

[@VoreAxalon]

I never get tired of hearing that low frequency horn blast:-)

[@thelandofnod123]

My friend, what a great new intro sequence.

[@danielayers]

Great video, and very well presented.

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

the new intro is awesome

[@magpie8351]

It occurs to me that this channel is reall a writer's blessing for any sort of Maritime research. We writers LOVE to obsess over tiny details in our stories - like the historical accuracy of lifeboats. We might not know port from starboard without constantly looking it up, but we'll be damned if we put the wrong lifeboat on our historical-fantasy pirate ship, lol. I'm not writing anything directly involved with ships or seafaring, but at least now i know where to go if i ever need Maritime knowledge!

[@fridaycaliforniaa236]

I've also seen lifeboats on oil rigs. Damn, the fall must be terrifying ^^

[@grahamargent8057]

My grandfather was present in 1904 when Russian warships of the Second Pacific Squadron fired on Hull trawlers at the Dogger Bank. He rescued 10 men from the sea. This and his service in the RN in WWI led to him becoming a trawler skipper in the 1930s