Captain Fotis Margaritis, a proud son of Oinousses, joins “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to share memories from a lifetime at sea.
These days, he commands the M/V OINOUSSES 3, serving the vital daily route between Chios and Oinousses—a connection he describes as a “lifeline” for his island. Reflecting on how much life and technology have evolved aboard ships over the years, he urges young people to embrace the maritime profession with passion, dedication, and a commitment to staying informed.
“I first set sail on 14 December 1983, aboard the M/V PRIAMOS,” he recalls. “Our route was from Japan to New Orleans. I was fortunate in those early days to have my father onboard as third engineer. He left soon after, but I stayed on, continued the journey, and eventually earned my captain’s stripes. Things are very different on ships now.”
As the conversation comes to an end, Captain Fotis shares a heartfelt thought:
“A captain is like a small ambassador of Greece to the world. And Greeks are well-loved—we have a good reputation everywhere. I’m considering retiring, but… it feels strange. It’s hard to imagine life without the sea.”
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis