Merchant Navy Apprentice 1951 – 1955: Sailing with Bank Line

The true account of life at sea as an apprentice navigator on cargo ships in the 1950's. The author sailed in an iconic company that covered the globe, part of the huge merchant navy shortly after the end of world war 2. It is an era prior to Satellite navigation, when navigation was an art form relying on celestial observations alone. The shenanigans ashore in diverse ports around the world are also detailed, often hilariously. The story is told with humour and in good spirits. Long periods at sea where punctuated by visits to exciting and challenging situations in the ports of the world. Starting out at sixteen, and still wet behind the ears, the author slowly progresses to an embryo officer sitting for a second mates certificate in Dock St London.