A real-world masterclass in maritime leadership, risk management, and ethical command.
In Peril remains one of my favorite books and a top recommendation for anyone who wants to understand what real leadership underway looks like, especially when the stakes are high and there’s no perfect playbook.
The book follows Capt. Skip Strong, a young steamship master in 1994, who receives a call from the Coast Guard during Tropical Storm Gordon. A disabled tug and barge are drifting toward the shoals, and no one else is in a position to help. Strong is at the helm of the Cherry Valley, a 688-foot tanker loaded with 10 million gallons of oil, not exactly a nimble rescue boat. Still, he makes the call to assist, not for glory or gain, but because it was the right thing to do.
What unfolds is one of the most gripping, white-knuckle salvage operations ever documented, executed in 60-knot winds, 20-foot seas, and shallow water. The rescue succeeds against all odds and ultimately results in a record-setting salvage award. But what makes this story unforgettable isn’t the money, it’s the clarity of thought, calm execution, and ethical backbone, Capt. Strong displays throughout.
This book is pure gold for anyone in command or working their way there. It breaks down complex decisions in real time, shows what true bridge resource management looks like, and gives you a front-row seat to leadership amidst crisis. Whether you’re renewing your license or just stepped into the wheelhouse for the first time, this is one you’ll want to read with a highlighter.
