JACK TAR MEDIA: Interview on MessingAboutInShips.com

Sunday

Interview on MessingAboutInShips.com

Peter Mello of messingaboutinships.com called me to discuss the magazine, the calendar, and some photos and videos taken aboard F/V Paige Marie. Check it out!

http://messingaboutinships.com/2009/01/08/messing-about-in-ships-podcast-episode-31/

There are huge gaps in how information is being shared among maritime subcultures. Heavy industrial offshore and Lakes operations have trade magazines that focus on new technology or environmental legislation affecting their industry. Commercial fishermen, research vessel crew, tour operators and sail training crew have few, if any, open forums where they share information. Wooden boat builders, cruisers, and racers have magazines and online forums that include technical articles and product information, but scarce offerings when it comes to well written sea stories, interesting art and photography, and thoughtful reflections about modern life on the water.

Our audience includes everyone who recognizes the great, and sometimes not-so-great aspects of the seafaring life. We educate new mariners on how to succeed in the maritime industry, while promoting the study of traditional seamanship skills. We provide venues to discuss important issues: whether it's about safety at sea, USCG compliance, relationships between operators and crew, or personal subjects that only a mariner might understand. We serve as an outlet for the creative and talented souls living and working on the water. We offer common ground where both fishermen and fisheries scientists may stand in support of dedicating their lives to the management of important natural resources. We are about bringing people together, and sharing our dedication to a safe, prosperous, and enjoyable future at sea.

I found an excellent quote in an issue of maine. the magazine; "

Seafarers, and the maritime community are the people that teach me about what it means to love thy neighbor, how to be hospitable, and how to welcome a stranger." - Rev. Dr. Nash Garabedian

This is the spirit in which Jack Tar Magazine was borne, and that is the attitude with which we bring culture and information to other mariners and the world. Please help us to narrow the gaps in communication. You are helping people on different sides of the issues understand each other better. You are helping educate young people regarding their options in the industry. You are allowing a new generation of Cousteaus, Heyerdahls, Conrads and Chichesters to emerge and renew centuries of public fascination with a subculture that is too quickly forgetting seamanship survival skills and the romance of going to sea.