John Hobley ( left ) working on launches

John Hobley working on launches during cruising season 1970/71
As a trainee in the engine room my Chief Engineer allowing this when I was not on duty or watch, to enable me to see many of the ports we visited and to gain experience on boats which were also our lifeboats. Not to mention that the overtime payments were also gratefully received..lol I can't remember the name of my fellow crew ( but he was Scottish) but on my very first trip on the QE2 at the age of 16 we also shared a cabin for a brief period