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Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7
Mutiny, murder, and maritime disaster! Such are the makings of Captain John De Silva’s recollections of a life spent at sea. Throughout his first person account of the voyage, De Silva explores the exquisite miseries and vicissitudes of life on the unforgiving oceans of our planet. The long and tiresome journey begins in January 2006. Captain John De Silva assumes command of Cape Agulhas and a misanthropic crew. Before the ship has completed its circuitous route along the African coastline, however, De Silva must answer to everything from biblical infestations of cockroaches to engine failures, duplicity and deceit. Nearly every imaginable disaster that can occur on a seafaring vessel, will.
Yet, the palpable tension of the narrative underscores the tenacity of the human spirit as it is tested by God and nature alike. Through optimism, faith and a relentless desire to make it back to his family, De Silva guides the vessel through one hardship after another.
CAPTAIN’S LOGBOOK offers a darkly humorous examination of man as he faces the best and the worst of his own kind. The colorful cast of characters includes barbarous sailors, corrupt port officials and a seasick cook with the culinary aptitude of a barnacle.
All the characters portrayed in De Silva’s log book are real, but pseudonyms have been used to protect their identity. Grab your copy today to find yourself thrown into the high seas for entertainment and enlightenment!
Yet, the palpable tension of the narrative underscores the tenacity of the human spirit as it is tested by God and nature alike. Through optimism, faith and a relentless desire to make it back to his family, De Silva guides the vessel through one hardship after another.
CAPTAIN’S LOGBOOK offers a darkly humorous examination of man as he faces the best and the worst of his own kind. The colorful cast of characters includes barbarous sailors, corrupt port officials and a seasick cook with the culinary aptitude of a barnacle.
All the characters portrayed in De Silva’s log book are real, but pseudonyms have been used to protect their identity. Grab your copy today to find yourself thrown into the high seas for entertainment and enlightenment!
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2021
36 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2021
True Look at Life on the Sea
Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John De Silva is a vivid, practical and insightful look in the life of those who choose to navigate the open seas and earn a livelihood. Specifically, the narrative washes over the reader from the viewpoint of a seasoned master mariner and his leadership role as the captain in charge of a merchant ship by the name of Cape Agulhas.
Often, when talking about sea stories and tales of life on the high seas, one often fantasizes and romanticizes that life. This story is not about a cruise ship and replete with story upon story of entertainment and luxury.
It is however, a real-life story about the challenges faced by a captain and his crew in navigating the ship and its cargo from port to port. Some of those challenges include the breakdown of vital machinery on the ship, dealing with novice seamen, navigating an uncharted port requiring entry by the ship, dealing with the infestation of cockroaches and the avarice of those associated with the safe entry and transport of the ship into the harbor.
The story is penned from the perspective of the captain and how he meets these challenges, his struggle with his love for the open sea and a family that he leaves behind, his leadership skills in commanding such a vessel and its crew and managing this small city floating on the open sea.
Another powerful component to the story is captain's faith and his devotion to God and his Christian walk.
Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John De Silva is a wonderful read. In addition to the reader getting a candid look from the captain's bridge; it is an inspirational, motivational and a primer on the leadership skills of a qualified captain aboard a merchant transport vessel.
Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John De Silva is a vivid, practical and insightful look in the life of those who choose to navigate the open seas and earn a livelihood. Specifically, the narrative washes over the reader from the viewpoint of a seasoned master mariner and his leadership role as the captain in charge of a merchant ship by the name of Cape Agulhas.
Often, when talking about sea stories and tales of life on the high seas, one often fantasizes and romanticizes that life. This story is not about a cruise ship and replete with story upon story of entertainment and luxury.
It is however, a real-life story about the challenges faced by a captain and his crew in navigating the ship and its cargo from port to port. Some of those challenges include the breakdown of vital machinery on the ship, dealing with novice seamen, navigating an uncharted port requiring entry by the ship, dealing with the infestation of cockroaches and the avarice of those associated with the safe entry and transport of the ship into the harbor.
The story is penned from the perspective of the captain and how he meets these challenges, his struggle with his love for the open sea and a family that he leaves behind, his leadership skills in commanding such a vessel and its crew and managing this small city floating on the open sea.
Another powerful component to the story is captain's faith and his devotion to God and his Christian walk.
Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John De Silva is a wonderful read. In addition to the reader getting a candid look from the captain's bridge; it is an inspirational, motivational and a primer on the leadership skills of a qualified captain aboard a merchant transport vessel.
April 25, 2021
What can I say? This book commands full recognition from every reader because it is simply astounding! Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John de Silva was written so strongly, with a story that has a depth and an incredible theme. In this story we are taken aboard to a different kind of journey into the sea, featuring the main character Captain John De Silva who took charge of Cape Agulhas and a misanthropic crew.
As I've read the first parts of the book, I didn't know what was about to happen and what to expect. I was already too engrossed to find out what happens. The writing of the author was compelling. Each lines are heavy with angst and truth. It was a reality-based story and from what I've read, it is based in a true story itself and the author used pseudonyms for confidentiality. I loved the heavy theme of the book. I witnessed John's sacrifices and how he worked hard that everything in the ship runs smoothly as possible. Of course things started to get challenging with him as disasters happened along the way. You can't keep your eyes closed in this book. Everything was thrilling and you would end up really rooting for the character! Highly recommended!
As I've read the first parts of the book, I didn't know what was about to happen and what to expect. I was already too engrossed to find out what happens. The writing of the author was compelling. Each lines are heavy with angst and truth. It was a reality-based story and from what I've read, it is based in a true story itself and the author used pseudonyms for confidentiality. I loved the heavy theme of the book. I witnessed John's sacrifices and how he worked hard that everything in the ship runs smoothly as possible. Of course things started to get challenging with him as disasters happened along the way. You can't keep your eyes closed in this book. Everything was thrilling and you would end up really rooting for the character! Highly recommended!
May 3, 2021
A fascinating look at a modern captain and his story about a dysfunctional cargo ship.
A fascinating account by captain of a large ocean carrier that is not really in any seaworthy condition. Written almost as it was his actual logbook, this is an inciteful account of how unpleasant it can be to captain a ship in today's modern world. I was amazed at the lack of discipline of the crew and the officers as well as the nonchalant attitude of the holding company. Having visited many of the parts of Africa that the author describes, myself, it was interesting to hear his accounts of them and how he handled the blatant corruption of most of the officials that they had to deal with. Unfortunately, the book really does read like an official logbook and it contains very basic descriptions of the sea and the ports visited. Overall, this is a fascinating read with some personal religious insights and some tragic stories of individuals caught in the nightmare of modern Africa that the author was able to help, while also struggling to help his ship and its largely dysfunctional crew.
A fascinating account by captain of a large ocean carrier that is not really in any seaworthy condition. Written almost as it was his actual logbook, this is an inciteful account of how unpleasant it can be to captain a ship in today's modern world. I was amazed at the lack of discipline of the crew and the officers as well as the nonchalant attitude of the holding company. Having visited many of the parts of Africa that the author describes, myself, it was interesting to hear his accounts of them and how he handled the blatant corruption of most of the officials that they had to deal with. Unfortunately, the book really does read like an official logbook and it contains very basic descriptions of the sea and the ports visited. Overall, this is a fascinating read with some personal religious insights and some tragic stories of individuals caught in the nightmare of modern Africa that the author was able to help, while also struggling to help his ship and its largely dysfunctional crew.
April 19, 2021
This is an autobiographical tale over a 4 month period. Warning, the author is very religious and makes frequent references to God. It can come off as a little bit preachy.
I enjoyed reading about parts of the world, and cultures I wasn’t familiar with.
De Silva leaves a 9 to 5 job where he’s home with his family to return to sea as Captain of a ship. He states that God warned him against this move, but he didn’t listen. He believes the 4 month long disaster of that voyage was because he ignored God.
The adventure and danger are real, and that makes it all the more compelling. But even in the midst of disaster, some good does come from it. Several lives were made better for his misadventure. Though he had to suffer the consequences of his decision, he believed that God was still with him, helping him survive each new disaster.
This book is filled with real life adventure in exotic places. A worthwhile read.
I enjoyed reading about parts of the world, and cultures I wasn’t familiar with.
De Silva leaves a 9 to 5 job where he’s home with his family to return to sea as Captain of a ship. He states that God warned him against this move, but he didn’t listen. He believes the 4 month long disaster of that voyage was because he ignored God.
The adventure and danger are real, and that makes it all the more compelling. But even in the midst of disaster, some good does come from it. Several lives were made better for his misadventure. Though he had to suffer the consequences of his decision, he believed that God was still with him, helping him survive each new disaster.
This book is filled with real life adventure in exotic places. A worthwhile read.
April 20, 2021
Captain's Logbook: Escaping Nine to Five for 24/7 by John de Silva is an interesting recollection by the author of his time at sea. After quitting his day job, he goes back to what he loves; the sea. Captain John De Silva takes control of the Cape Agulhas with its crazy crew. There are various events on the boat that challenge De Silva, from engine failures to personality challenges. However, De Silva deals with all of this with a certain amount of fortitude and grace. With strong religious overtones, this story may not appeal to everyone, but carries the narrative along well and provides a positive backdrop. The author relies on his faith heavily to get him through all types of challenges. Truly a heartwarming and very human account of life at sea. Highly recommend.
April 22, 2021
Life on the sea and what really happens
Have you ever thought about a life on the ocean? Sailing the seas and all the mystery and intrigue that goes with the life of a ship captain? This story is about the real life of a ship captain and what happens while you are out on the beautiful ocean. Getting your cargo from one port to the next is the job but there are many pitfalls that go with that journey. Mechanical breakdowns and new sailors are just the beginning of the things that can go wrong in route to the next port. This story tells what can happen and how to deal with these events as the arise. I found this story to be compelling and kept turning the pages to see what is next for this adventurous captain. This book is well worth the read folks.
Have you ever thought about a life on the ocean? Sailing the seas and all the mystery and intrigue that goes with the life of a ship captain? This story is about the real life of a ship captain and what happens while you are out on the beautiful ocean. Getting your cargo from one port to the next is the job but there are many pitfalls that go with that journey. Mechanical breakdowns and new sailors are just the beginning of the things that can go wrong in route to the next port. This story tells what can happen and how to deal with these events as the arise. I found this story to be compelling and kept turning the pages to see what is next for this adventurous captain. This book is well worth the read folks.
April 3, 2023
Captain DeSilva's account of life as master of a tramp freighter in foreign trade was quite informational to me. As a harbor pilot in Alaska many of my assignments were to pilot foreign flag vessels in and out of various Alaska ports. The amount of time a pilot spends aboard a vessel is relatively short and not long enough to get a good sense of the captain and crew. Captain DeSilva's book pulls back the cover on the activity that goes on aboard foreign flag vessels and makes for an interesting account of those who have chosen seafaring as their profession.
January 7, 2022
Lessons learned,
I am an avid boater,and my wife and I love traveling by boat the inland waterways of the Midwest. We plan on doing the great loop when she retires. We have boater to the Bahamas and the Keys. I found this book full of useful information about foreign ports and regulations, as you can imagine how people think that Americans with boats are rich.I recommend this book to my coworkers,many who are licensed sea captains to read this.
I am an avid boater,and my wife and I love traveling by boat the inland waterways of the Midwest. We plan on doing the great loop when she retires. We have boater to the Bahamas and the Keys. I found this book full of useful information about foreign ports and regulations, as you can imagine how people think that Americans with boats are rich.I recommend this book to my coworkers,many who are licensed sea captains to read this.
September 17, 2021
No high seas adventure
The book is very boring. Mostly administrative problems and stories about the ship breaking down and being stranded in ports while going thru weeks of repairs. I got thru half of the book and gave up. Best part about this book is the title. Don't waste your money or time on this one.
The book is very boring. Mostly administrative problems and stories about the ship breaking down and being stranded in ports while going thru weeks of repairs. I got thru half of the book and gave up. Best part about this book is the title. Don't waste your money or time on this one.
March 4, 2023
An inside look at a world we all take for granted
The story, people and events are compelling throughout the book and give you a very descriptive view of a lifestyle that most of us will never appreciate and likely take for granted. The title is aptly named logbook. As a lot of this reads like a captains log.
The story, people and events are compelling throughout the book and give you a very descriptive view of a lifestyle that most of us will never appreciate and likely take for granted. The title is aptly named logbook. As a lot of this reads like a captains log.
September 21, 2024
Eye opening Account of LifeAs A Marriner in the Merchant Navy
Hard to imagine the experience Capt Silva endure aboard a cargo vessel. Not a life to aim for. Is his experience as a ship captain of a merchant ship normal or way out of the ordinary? Would love to meet this fine gentleman!!
Hard to imagine the experience Capt Silva endure aboard a cargo vessel. Not a life to aim for. Is his experience as a ship captain of a merchant ship normal or way out of the ordinary? Would love to meet this fine gentleman!!
July 16, 2022
Captains Logbook
This story is quite an eye opener for me .. having been on many Naval ships and vacation cruises I think of a ships captain as the person who controls all facIts of shipboard life. This story of the Captains problems on this ship is something else ..
This story is quite an eye opener for me .. having been on many Naval ships and vacation cruises I think of a ships captain as the person who controls all facIts of shipboard life. This story of the Captains problems on this ship is something else ..
November 19, 2024
Too many stories that are left hanging. A lot about his religious faith which didn’t add to the story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews