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We have seen a host of Maritime reality shows come on air in the past year. Some, like Deadliest Catch, have done really well while others, America’s Port, have less certain fates. While we have enjoyed them all, it’s the shows that put mariners up against tough challenges which catch the excitement of broader audiences. NatGeo’s new show will do just that. It’s called “World’s Toughest Fixes” and like some of the other Engineering shows (Engineering Connections, Man Made,  Mega Ships, Ultimate Oil Rigs, Disasters At Sea…) they produce, we are sure the maritime content will be amazing.

Here’s a brief overview of the show concept:

World’s Toughest Fixes takes you inside some of the most daunting repair jobs imaginable. Each one-hour episode follows Sean Riley as he pushes himself to the limit while working with some of the world’s top mechanics, showing viewers how these challenging fixes are tackled.

A professional rigger with a passion for adventure, Riley isn’t afraid to strap on a hazmat suit or attach himself to a live high-voltage power line to get the job done. He’s seen more than his fair share of perilous situations, but on each job he has to show the crew he knows his stuff. Read More…

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For the first maritime themed episode Sean dives under the storied vessel DCV Balder (her first job was constructing the Piper Alpha) to replace a busted 38-ton thruster with a broken engine. Here is the video:
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Watch the full resolution video HERE.

Also stay tuned for the ManMade episode Deep Sea Drillers. gCaptain has loyal readers on most of the vessels it will featur.

It’s time to cast your votes for the 2008 webby awards. While we are sad to report gCaptain did not receive a nomination this year we are please to find some other great sites that did.

The image above links to the most innovative and graphically pleasing website of the year “The Whale Hunt“. What is it exactly? Boiled down the site documents the  whaling tradition of Inupiat Eskimos in Barrow, Alaska. What is generating buzz is how photographer Jonathan Harris displays his amazing photos in such a graphically stunning and usable design. Here’s more the information from their FAQ:

Is this a political project?

No. This project has nothing to do with politics. It is about storytelling, and makes no comment on the politics of hunting whales.

What’s the difference between subsistence whaling and commercial whaling?

Subsistence whaling is the hunting of whales by aboriginal groups who have a tradition of whaling. Commercial whaling is the hunting of whales for commerical profit. The International Whaling Commission includes a more detailed definition here.

Do you personally support subsistence whaling?

As stated above, this project is not political. But speaking personally, after spending nine days with an Inupiat Eskimo family in Barrow, Alaska, observing their traditional whale hunt, I support their right to continue whaling, in compliance with scientifically determined annual quotas. Nutritionally, whale meat has allowed the Inupiats to subsist in the Arctic for thousands of years (where farming is impossible due to eleven months of snow covered ground, and where fresh fruit and vegetables are flown in at great expense). Culturally, the whale hunt is equally important to the Inupiats, shaping their sense of honor, purpose, community, and identity.

For gCaptain’s coverage of whaling CLICK HERE then head over to the 2008 webby awards to vote on your favorite maritime related sites. Our top pick? National Geographic for the use of social media in the release of their top shows The Deadliest Catch and America’s Port.

The following is posted by Fred Fry:

I mentioned back in Maritime Monday 103 that National Geographic is set to start airing a short series called America’s Port that was filmed in the Port of Los Angeles:

America’s Port
Mondays 10P et / 7P pt

America’s Port provides an unblinking view of this vibrant and colorful nerve center for global trade—the Port of Los Angeles. Get an inside look at this massive complex and the intrepid individuals charged with keeping it running smoothly and securely 365 days a year. It’s a dynamic and dangerous 24/7 operation.

As it says, the series is to air on Mondays. That’s great. To bad they were not so swift in mentioning early on that the series premiere airs Sunday 6 April.

More information including at least two video previews of the series can be found at the shows America’s Port Blog. And yes, episode II will be on Monday night.