Help in your pocket when your mind goes blank
Seamanship 2.0, by Mike Westin, Olle Landsell, Nina Olofson, Pär Olofson
This glossy paperback is subtitled 'everything you need to know to get yourself out of trouble at
sea'. Living up to their promise, the authors deliver vital information on the core skills of seamanship in an easy-to-read manner, making this book a good corrective to digital dependency.
Divided into four sections – seamanship, problem fixing, emergencies and first aid – it covers a range of practical skills; anchoring, taking a bearing, repairing an LPG leak, dealing with a man overboard, putting out a fire in the engine room and much, much more. The authors also discuss 'soft skills' that can be just as vital, like building a cohesive crew.
Novices will find it invaluable, but even skilled veterans will pick up helpful (and potentially lifesaving) hints.
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.