Candidate Profile

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EXPERTISE
History - Maritime
Meteorology & Climatology
Oceanography & Hydrography
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH:
BIOGRAPHY
Melvyn was born in London of Welsh parents. He was brought up in Wales and therefore claims to be a Welshman! Throughout his interesting and adventurous life, Melvyn has been professionally involved in most matters relating to the sea and sea-faring. During his lengthy service in the British Merchant Navy, he travelled the world and saw service in all ranks 'from carpenter to Captain'. When he subsequently obtained the coveted 'Extra-Master' qualification, Melvyn found himself in demand as a lecturer in seamanship and marine-science. It was during his five years with the University of Plymouth that he became involved with 'The Onedin Line' (BBC T/V series) as nautical-adviser.

Melvyn subsequently moved to New Zealand where he was contracted to work for the NZ Ministry of Transport as a Marine-consultant in matters ranging from the maritime qualifications to the investigation of maritime accidents. It was during this time that he was asked to supervise the building of a replica of "HMS Bounty". Melvyn's life-long interest in 'square-rig' sailing ships meant that he was able to supervise the rigging and fitting-out of the ship, select and train the crew, and to then conduct the sea-trials (prior to the making of the full-length film concerning this infamous mutiny).

As well as being a qualified scuba-diver and nautical-archaeologist, Melvyn has piloted light aircraft, hang-gliders and sail-planes. Although officially retired, he is a committed 'life-long learner' (he gained his Ph.D. when just 65-years-youngl) and continues to serve the 'marine-industry' as a technical consultant, and as a lecturer in 'Maritime History and Marine Sciences' in the broader community.
TALK TITLES
Synopsis of lectures: All lectures concern marine-sciences and/or maritime history. All are presented in such a way as to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds -not only the scientifically minded! Lectures are 45 minutes in length, well-illustrated and are delivered in the customary 'power-point format' (using lap-top computer, data-projector and white screen).

1,2.3. "Captain Cook's Voyages"
In these 3 lectures (one for each of Cook's 3 voyages), I cover the historical details of this intrepid explorer's around-the-world voyages which took place between 1768 and 1780. When cruising in the North and/or South Pacific Oceans, I concentrate mainly on Cook's travels and discoveries in these areas. As well as thoroughly covering the many historical aspects of his voyages, I draw on my own personal experience of sailing square-rigged ships (similar to 'HMS Endeavour') when explaining some of the difficulties (and dangers) which Capt. Cook encountered.

4. "Magellan's Incredible Voyage"
Next Year (2019) marks the 500th anniversary of the commencement of Ferdinand Magellan's incredible voyage of discovery. In this lecture, I recount some of the more remarkable discoveries and events which took place during his ambitious attempt to find a Western route to the East Indies -a voyage which, among other things, would become the first recorded circumnavigation of the world, but would cost Magellan his life.

5. "Matthew Flinders -the man who put Australia on the map"
Matthew Flinders (1774/1814) was a famous English navigator and cartographer. His most notable achievement was to lead the first ever circumnavigation of Australia. In this lecture, I describe the remarkable events which occurred whilst he was charting and exploring Australia's vast and often inhospitable coastline.

6. "Abel Tasman's 1st Voyage (1642/43)"
Abel Tasman was the greatest of all the 17th century Dutch Navigators. In this lecture, I recount and explain the remarkable events which occurred during this 17th Century voyage of exploration. It was during this adventurous sojourn to the Southern Ocean that he became the first European to sight Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga and the Fijian Islands.

7. "New Zealand's first Human Inhabitants"
Most visitors to New Zealand are keen to learn how and why the Maori people first discovered and then set up home in this beautiful country. As an immigrant myself, this is a subject near and dear to my heart -one which I have researched over many years. In this lecture, I explain how the Maoris first sailed from their original island homes in far-off Polynesia and Micronesia c1350AD, and ventured so far south to settle here.

8. 'Meteorology Down-under'
In addition to covering the basic principles of global meteorology (including such phenomena as 'El Nino' and 'La Nina'), this lecture sets out to explain -in simple terms- many of the the weather patterns and associated phenomena which commonly prevail over the North and South Pacific Oceans and Tasman Sea.

9. "Oceanography"
In this lecture, I first outline the basic principles of what is a rapidly developing and very significant marine science. I first cover the subject from a global perspective, and then explain some of the more significant oceanographical features which exist in the area(s) where our cruise-ship happens to be at the time (e.g. Pacific Oceans and/or Tasman Sea).

10. "Mutiny on the Bounty"
In this lecture, I explain the events leading up to and following Captain Bligh's ill-fated voyage to the South Pacific in 1787-1789 aboard "HMS Bounty". Having served as captain of the New Zealand-built replica of this ship in 1980, I also share some of my personal experiences and the insights which I gained concerning this fascinating historic saga -one which most people still find so interesting.

11. "The Measurement of Time"
This lecture sets out to give passengers important historical insights into the many and various ways in which time has been measured over the last few thousand years. Among other things, I explain a few of the more recent developments in time-measurement (leading up to and including the ‘atomic clock’) which provide us with the extreme accuracy required by so many of our present-day technological appliances -something we all tend to take for granted.

12. "Science and Seamanship":
Ideally, this lecture complements (but is not dependent on) the opportunity passengers may have to visit the ship’s bridge. In my talk, I fully explain –in layman's terms– the history of and principles underlying the wide range of navigational equipment to be found on board a modern cruise-ship such as the one we have the privilege of traveling on today. These will include GPS, radar, gyro-compasses, and stabilizer-fins.

13. "The North-West Passage"
In this lecture, I first give an overview of the many notable attempts which have been made over the last few hundred years to find a safe and navigable Arctic sea-route linking the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. The increase in the melting of ice in the Arctic region has, over recent years, made this a viable route for both passenger and cargo-carrying ships. I explain how this has become possible and give some insights into the difficulties and dangers still encountered.

14. "Wind Power"
In this lecture, I first give a brief history of how wind-power has been developed and used in recent times. I then explain how this never-ending source of natural energy has -over the last few decades- been productively harnessed. I then show how these eco-friendly principles are now being developed and used to propel some of today's cargo-ships and passenger-liners.

15. "Escape to South Georgia"
In this lecture, I explain the events leading up to and following Sir Earnest Shackleton's extraordinary voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia in April 1916. I recount how he and 5 crew-members sailed a 23 foot boat across 800 miles of the world's stormiest seas to accomplish what is still regarded as the most remarkable and challenging voyage of all time.

16. "Royal Albatrosses - the wonderful wanderers"
In this lecture, I first explain the locations and habits of these incredible birds commonly seen at sea around the South Island of New Zealand. Drawing on my background experience as a glider-pilot and my knowledge of marine navigation, I explain how these beautiful creatures are born, fledge and subsequently fly across vast areas of the Southern Ocean only to return to Taiaroa Head with unfailing accuracy. Ideally, this lecture will precede the ship's visit to Dunedin (near to the Royal Albatross colony at the entrance to Port Chalmers).
CRUISE HISTORY / EXPERIENCE
Holland America - Amsterdam - 22nd Jan - 2nd Feb 2018 (Papeete to Auckland)
RECENT PAST CRUISES COMPLETED
The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.
SHIP REF CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS SAILING FROM DEPARTURE DATE
Viking Orion OR200124 Australia & New Zealand 14 Sydney Friday, January 24, 2020
Viking Orion OR200110 Australia & New Zealand 14 Auckland Friday, January 10, 2020
Queen Mary 2 M702-715 World Cruise 2017 118 Southampton Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Queen Victoria V702-711 World Cruise 2017 120 Southampton Thursday, January 5, 2017
Queen Mary 2 M603 World Cruise 2016 121 Southampton Sunday, January 10, 2016
Crystal Serenity V5303 Mysteries of the South Pacific 19 Lima (from Callao) Saturday, January 31, 2015