Full and Down and Outward Bound

Experience the transformative era of shipping through the eyes of a seasoned mariner: from WWII cargo ships to the birth of containerization and digital navigation. A tale of sea, service, and survival.

Full and Down and Outward Bound is a riveting memoir, chronicling the remarkable journey of a young man who dared to chase his dream of joining the American Merchant Marine. His journey spans 26 years at sea, including 15 years of command, and a further 14 years ashore, holding diverse roles from cargo planner to director of several fleets for two major shipping companies.

As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist bears witness to the most transformative period in maritime history since the transition from sail to steam-powered vessels. He navigates through the final days of World War II-built cargo ships, and finds himself at the forefront of the containerization revolution in 1968. This era, marked by rapid technological advancement, introduces stack or liner trains, electronic technology, and the advent of on-board computers. The narrative vividly depicts the installation of the first personal computer aboard a commercial vessel in the USA, if not the world, in 1978.

The author, a stalwart of the Naval and Army Reserves for a total of 39 years, shares his experiences with candor and authenticity. He sheds light on the challenges, risks, and opportunities that come with a life at sea, attaining the rank of Captain and bird Colonel in those respective services.

The title, Full and Down and Outward Bound, is a maritime term that encapsulates the essence of this memoir. It refers to the favorable condition when a cargo vessel sails from port completely full, loaded down to her legal load lines (Plimsoll marks), and embarks on an unpredictable journey filled with risks, perils, and opportunities.

This memoir, a work of creative non-fiction, is based on the author's personal recollections and notes, providing a captivating and insightful glimpse into the dramatic evolution of the shipping industry.

Captain Tom Stapleton is a seasoned maritime professional and a passionate storyteller. A 1968 graduate of the California Maritime Academy, he spent a decade sailing merchant ships and a further 22 years as Master, navigating the globe. Notably, he pioneered the installation of the first mini-computers on American container and break bulk vessels and developed the first computer software for merchant ships. A proud veteran, he served 30 years in the Naval Reserve and nine years in Army Watercraft, retiring as a Colonel. Today, he enjoys capturing his adventures with his wife, Martha, across the USA and on cruises through photography and Youtube videos.