1. How does working on the Sea Patrol set (with so much action), compare to other TV shows where there isn’t as much physical activity? Is it harder? Do you find it more fun?

I know that you sweat a lot more, that’s for sure. I shot an episode of a comedy series this year called ’30 Seconds’. I had a great time playing a disgruntled clown who was the figurehead of a fast food company. It was great fun! But when they called cut – I wasn’t in the middle of the ocean, driving a boat or checking a weapon or watching dolphins or sea turtles frolicking NOTHING COMPARES TO SEA PATROL!!!

2. Some feel your character is underused in the series, what do you think about this?

That’s a funny question. I’ve met actors who’ve played HAMLET, who’ve felt underused. They think he should be in it more!?! Being a member of an ensemble cast means being there for the story, and every year the character of ‘Charge’ has been more and more involved in the storylines which makes me very happy. If people think I’m underused then I must be doing a good job because you should always leave an audience wanting more

3. What preparation did you do for the show? Did you actually spend some time with RAN (your real life counterparts) personnel, and how were you received?

When I got the audition, all those years ago, I went straight to the RAN website to check out all the boats and Navy speak. We had an intensive week with our Navy Advisor in the first year as well as a few days at HMAS Cairns (navy base) doing a mini boot camp. Every year I meet my Charge on board the ship we’re on and I always talk about the things I have to do that year and see if they can help me.

4. How are you at fixing engines?

Possibly the worst engine fixer ever! My dad was an engineer in the Army but he wasn’t the best teacher, so I have no, absolutely no knowledge of engines at all. That’s why I have a great mechanic called Savvas.

5. Is it true you worked / work in radio?

I do quite a few commercial voice overs for radio and TV but in some websites I’m confused with a 60+ year old American who has his own radio show in the United States. His name is John Batchelor but I’m not 60+ and I’m not American, but if the opportunity came, I’d love a radio show of my own.

6. Given that most of you are based outside of Queensland, how do your respective families (husband/wife/partner/children/parents etc) cope with the gruelling filming schedule, which requires you to be on Mission Beach or the Gold Coast for several months?

For the last three years my family (wife and two kids) have come with me for almost the entire shoot. I’ve very lucky, and I know it, so I try to make the most of it as much as I can because my kids will soon be too old to do this and I’m not looking forward to those days.

7. If you could change one thing about your character, what would it be?

Two words – LOVE INTEREST!

8. With the loss of three central characters in series 4 do you think the show will convince loyal fans that there’s life after these characters. Do you think it’s time for Charge to shine?

I have no doubt at all that Sea Patrol will get stronger and stronger. I know, personally, I’ll miss those who have left but those that stay are stronger and the new people this year are wonderful as all our new members have been for the past couple of years. There are a couple of storylines this year that will definitely see Charge stand up and be counted.

9. We met your son last series, will we get another glimpse of him this series?

Unfortunately not, it was great to have a connection like that one and this year Charge takes on a fatherly figure role to one of the Hammersley crew which is a lot of fun. Our show is very different for our guest cast and it takes a lot to hold onto them, however that means that we get to have a lot of different stories.

10. How do you relieve tension on set?

In the first year it was ‘Cryptic Crosswords’. 2nd year was a card game called ‘Phase 10’. Third year was ‘Backgammon’ and ’DVD’s’. Basically we relieve tension by having fun together, the adage ‘Those who play together, stay together’ has never been more true.

Thanks to Hal and Di McElroy and John Batchelor.