What does on behind the scenes of a cruise ship? As you may suspect, A LOT! Just ask P&O Cruises’ Doug Bird who’s tasked with ensuring ships safely dock in their destination.
Karryon recently caught up with the cruise line’s Marine Operations Manager to get a little insight into what goes on in the lower decks and discovered that when the team isn’t carefully planning for the arrival of a new ship, they’re swamped with trying to improve navigation around the South Pacific and more.
Read on for our full chat with P&O Cruises’ Doug Bird:
What is your role in your organisation & what does your day normally look like?
I am P&O Cruises Australia’s Marine Operations Manager working in the Fleet Operations department. My job is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of P&O ships and involves working with port authorities, organisations such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and our Flag State authorities. I see my biggest responsibility as ensuring that P&O is meeting or exceeding the highest industry standards every day.
What is happening at your organisation that’s important for the industry to know?
P&O is currently carrying out a fleet transformation. We have farewelled Pacific Jewel and Pacific Eden from the fleet as we prepare to welcome Pacific Adventure late next year, our first 3100-guest Grand Class ship with another to follow in 2021. We are focused on developing future itineraries for Pacific Adventure, a complex but exciting task with an eye on P&O’s bright future as Australia’s home brand cruise line.
We also constantly look at ways to improve navigation support in the South Pacific. This can include updating nautical charts and providing feedback to local authorities. My team and I are also committed to maintaining the highest onboard standards and we work with our ships’ officers to enhance skills and knowledge with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
Who inspires you within our industry?
The team I work with at P&O Cruises inspires me each and every day knowing that Fleet Operations is at the centre of supporting our ships so that everything runs smoothly. I’m also inspired by our onboard officers and crew who are the front line of our business.
What message would you share to a student entering the industry for the first time?
Be inquisitive and relentless in the pursuit of your goals. Do what you think is right and act on your gut instinct.
How did you get started within the industry?
When I was aged 15, I attended Maritime College in the UK, and my first job was working on offshore oil rigs in the North Sea.
I quickly realised that my future and my career passion was in maritime. I haven’t looked back becoming a qualified Officer of the Watch by the age of 19 and a Master Mariner just eight years later, which meant that I could become a Captain of any ship. It has been a fascinating progression in doing something I love.
Joining Princess Cruises in 2005 was my first venture into the cruise industry before transferring to sister line P&O Cruises Australia the same year as a First Officer on Pacific Sky. Six years ago, I came ashore to work in P&O’s head office in a role where my experience at sea is a definite asset. Cruising has given me an amazing 14 years where every day is different and opportunities like the Five Ship Spectacular and the Port Moresby three-ship formation present themselves on a regular basis.
What is it about the travel industry that you love the most & why?
Image: P&O Cruises Australia/Facebook
It’s the people within the cruise industry and our own business in particular that make it what it is. There’s such an interesting group of personalities because of the places they’ve visited and their varied life experiences. The destinations are also obviously incredible.
What has been your most memorable trip?
Planning for P&O’s cruises to Papua New Guinea in 2013 which saw Pacific Dawn begin a new era of cruising to PNG is a standout. For me, it was being on location inspecting the ports and helping develop the infrastructure required for cruise visits to an area that was astonishingly beautiful but still very remote.
The return of our ships has given our guests direct contact with cultures that are as fascinating as the warmth of the welcome from the local people. Visiting the Trobriand Islands in the Milne Bay district of PNG has also been a highlight. We visit places that are difficult to reach other than by cruise ship — ‘off the tourist grid’ destinations that are visually and culturally spectacular.
It makes me feel good to know I’ve played a part in helping people experience this part of the world and to help deliver economic opportunities to local communities in doing so.
- READ: Ship Review of Pacific Aria
- READ: Pacific Eden leaves the P&O fleet
- READ: P&O Cruises’ heartfelt delivery to hundreds of children