Latest Off Course podcast features Captain Phil Day on alternative fuels training
14 January 2026
The latest Off Course podcast features Captain Phil Day, Northern Lighthouse Board director of operations, discussing the urgent challenges facing seafarers as the industry transitions to alternative fuels.
Capt Day, a master mariner with over 20 years of seagoing experience, warns that uncertainty around fuel choice and infrastructure remains a major barrier. 'Anyone buying a vessel and preparing for a particular fuel is having to gamble on what the right solution is,' he says.
The podcast explores how the industry can properly train both new cadets and existing seafarers for emerging technologies, from methanol engines to battery propulsion systems. Capt Day emphasises that whilst training syllabuses are changing for new entrants, the bigger challenge lies with those already at sea.
'Ship owners will have to provide training for their ships and the fuels they choose. It's the only way they're going to have their ships run safely,' he notes.
The episode also covers Capt Day's career from securing a hard-won cadetship in the 1980s to his current role overseeing marine operations, as well as his recent recognition with the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service and Welfare.
Head over to the Nautilus YouTube channel to watch the full interview, or listen to the Off Course podcast on
Interested in sharing your story on Off Course? Nautilus members can email telegraph@nautilusint.org to take part in future episodes.
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