1. As a veteran of Australian television how do you feel Sea Patrol has enhanced the industry? Do you believe that Australian actors will be encouraged to stay in Australia with these quality shows becoming available?

Everything about Sea Patrol is big. The production qualities, the cast and crew size, the locations and the stories. I believe it has set a new benchmark for the action sequences which are all possible because of the involvement of the Australian Navy.

2. Did you have any preconceptions about working on Sea Patrol? What were the biggest challenges you faced in embarking on this unique role?

When I started on Sea Patrol I knew from the outset it would be physically challenging. Hal and Di McElroy had talked about what they wanted this show to be and we hit the ground running together and learned. Three series later we are a great team that have improved the way we do the show.

3. If you were to join the Navy in real life, would you want to be the Executive Officer or would you prefer another role?

Working closely out at sea with actual Navy personnel, you get to hear a lot about other women in the Navy and the roles they take up. Kate McGregor’s trajectory is pretty much on track with some of these women. Some who are now stepping into Commander roles and driving warships. She’s an action girl.

4. In what ways are you similar and dissimilar to Kate McGregor?

Kate McGregor’s career is her life. She is a terrific operator, fearless and a real leader. Unlucky so far in love. Lisa McCune is pretty much the opposite – apart from the fearless description! (ha, ha!)

5. How did you feel when you learned that Jeremy, Saskia and Jay were leaving at the end of Season 3? What do you miss about them? Who do you miss most?

Series television is an ongoing process, where cast come and go. Jeremy, Saskia and Jay are all incredibly talented actors who are on the move. Opportunities overseas beckon and its an experience not to be missed – however being a show about the Navy, who knows when their boat may next come in! I miss their humour and talent, but I still get that – just not at work.

6. What do you think of Kate’s love life in the show? If you could choose for Mike and Kate to get together, would you want them to? Or would you prefer Kate to start afresh with someone new?

I am the wrong person to ask as I love the option that best suits the drama. Whatever scenario creates the most tension. An audience probably doesn’t want the white picket fence ending for these two.

7. In a day and age when women are taking a greater role in the armed forces around the world, do you view your character as a role model for young women?

Kate McGregor is impressive. Leadership, loyalty and a one-eyed attitude. She can cut it with the best of them out at sea, her goal just to get on with it. A team player. So ‘yes’ great role model.

8. When you began Sea Patrol, did you think it would be as big a hit as it has become—with fans literally spanning the globe?

The show looks so great it’s understandable that it has overseas interest – who wouldn’t want to see those open vistas and lush tropical islands and sun!

9. Can you reveal anything about Kate’s dark side or past that is going to be explored in Season 4?

Mike is the ‘dark’ in Kate’s past. Something she has to deal with day to day as he is ever present. Navy protocol dictates there is to be no fraternisation on board a Navy vessel. Therefore Kate has put him in ‘her past’. In effect she is moving on – or at least trying to.

1. What plot/storyline would you like to see RO in?

I love playing RO and having enjoyed all of the storylines I’ve had so far. Season 4 is no different and I’m having a great time delving into the complicated world of HMAS Hammersley’s Radio Operator. Robert makes me laugh and is always getting into interesting situations so I guess I hope they (the writers) keep coming up with quirky things for me to do.

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

We have 9 main cast in Sea Patrol and each and every character has something to offer the show and only 16 episodes to tell their stories. This year RO has 2 episodes where his stories are at the forefront. I think the audience will be happy with their RO fix.

3. Since Jeremy Lindsay Taylor was hurt and had to bow out of one episode, you were chosen to take a leadership role in this episode. How do you think you went? Would you like to do it again?

It’s always fun when new challenges are presented and I enjoyed doing those episodes. Everyone including RO has many facets to their personality and it’s the challenge of the actor to be open to exploring these facets. RO would never have been able to reach the rank of Leading Seaman if he didn’t have leadership potential, so it was nice to show some of that last year.

4. How do you cope with the extreme heat in FNQ?

There is no doubt that it gets very hot where we film and the uniforms don’t help (flack jacket, life vest, helmet) but every time I think of complaining I think of those poor people working in dry cleaning shops in Cairns. P.s. I drink a lot of water.

5. When you first started filming Sea Patrol, did you experience any seasickness? If so, do you still experience it, and how do you overcome it?

Each boat we work on is different and moves in its unique way so depending on what boat you’re on and the sea state, depends on your level of discomfort. I’ve always been pretty lucky and don’t suffer too badly. Ginger is good. Get as much fresh air as your can and look out over the horizon.

6. How do you think you’d go as a Radio Operator in real life?

I’m not very technical so I’m not sure I’d do so well. The communicators (RO’s) on patrol boats are generally considered to be some of the smartest people onboard and are also the most highly paid. It’s one of the best jobs to have on the boat, so if I ever joined the Navy it’s a job I would like to do.

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

It would be nice to open him up to having closer personal relationships (possibly some RO-mance).

8. Do you ever wish you played another character, perhaps Swain or Buffer?

No offence to Swain and Buffer but why would I want to play anyone other than the hugely sexy and charismatic Robert J Dickson?

9. Besides physical appearance, is there any resemblance between you and the character you portray?

You always use aspects of your own character when fleshing out a role, so there are bits of me in RO. I would like to think I’m a little more relaxed than him and somewhat more successful in my personal life.

10. Can we expect RO to find his way out of the radio room in Series 4?

Hell yeah. Let him out of that room, off the boat, and you never know what you’ll get.

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.