Next episode launches in
The Qualified Captain Podcast
Throughout the years, The Qualified Captain has kept boat owners and watermen entertained. After all the laughs, there came a time when we needed to educate and raise awareness about the crazy stories we see on the water.
As a result, this podcast will feature the best sea stories, survivors, heroes, captains from different industries, and ultimately anyone who loves being on the water. We'll tell you the ugly truth, with some laughs along the way. Hope you enjoy.
What Will We Cover?
This podcast will feature the best sea stories, survivors, heroes, captains from different industries, and ultimately anyone who loves being on the water. We'll tell you the ugly truth, with some laughs along the way.
About the Episodes
Ep 1: Richard Neal
Richard Neal is the Executive Director of FPTower Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit established to restore the Frying Pan Tower Light Station. The mission of FPTower Inc. is to RESTORE the tower, PROTECT the mariners and sea life below, and PRESERVE the tower for the next generation.
Ep 2: Sascha Scheller, Andrew Sherman and Jack Sherman
In the summer of 2021, Sascha Scheller fell overboard while fishing alone off the coast of NC. Sascha watched his boat run away from him while he stayed afloat in the water for over 2 hours without a life jacket. The unmanned boat nearly collided with another boat where father and son, Andrew and Jack Sherman, were fishing. Andrew and Jack hopped on board, reported the situation, and told each other "we are going to look for this guy until the Coast Guard gets out here and tells us to stop.'"
Ep 3: Pyrate Rob
Two years ago, Mat Wood and two reliable watermen took his Barker 40' center console from Sarasota, Florida to Papagayo, Costa Rica. There were many who doubted they would make it, but that didn't stop them. The legendary Rob Plath aka "Pyrate Rob" sat down with us to tell their extraordinary story of this once-in-a-lifetime trip he just couldn't refuse. There are few as salty as Pyrate Rob, and anyone who knows him will confirm this. Two and a half hours later, and about a dozen beers deep, Rob and I discussed their entire experience, including their near-fatal escape. An absolutely insane sea story that's worth listening to.
Ep 4: Jack Doty
Jack Doty is a very fortunate survivor of a man overboard situation on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. Jack is an experienced boater, and always made safety his number one priority. Always wears his PFD, and promoted boating safety well before this event happened. On a very cold spring day, Jack went out for a quick ride on his new boat, and the weather started to turn. As the winds started to pick up, Jack took on a bigger wave than expected and fell overboard in 39 degree water while his boat ran away. Jack had a lifejacket on which probably saved his life, but he explains that if he simply had an engine cut off switch on, it could have been just a 5 minute swim, versus a 1 hour near death experience.
Ep 5: Carter Viss
On Thanksgiving Day 2019, Carter was snorkeling on the Breakers Reef (his favorite spot), and he was struck by a large boat. He lost his right arm on impact, both of his legs were severely lacerated and his left wrist was badly broken. After making a full recovery, he has dedicated his life to helping individuals involved in similar incidents and changing boating and diving safety standards to prevent future incidents. Fueled by his lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors, Carter strives to make our beautiful oceans safer for humans and marine life.
Who Is The Host?
Aaron Stasiak
Founder of The Qualified Captain
In 2016, Aaron Stasiak launched The Qualified Captain along the North Carolina coast after witnessing frequent encounters with uninformed boaters during his workdays. He created an Instagram page to showcase these incidents and foster global engagement. As The Qualified Captain grows, he looks forward to working with others to help educate boaters and continue building a brand focused on boating safety and entertainment.
Watch Full Length Episodes
Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our webinars and exclusive content. We'll be sharing exclusive content and discounts with our social media followers.
Have a good story to share?
Send your information for a chance to be featured.