Workwear That Protects Those Who Protect the Ocean

On patrol in the tropical waters of West Africa, Sea Shepherd operates on the frontline against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Aboard the Age of Union (AoU), KingGee spoke with Captain Baptiste Brebel and Second Engineer Wakili James Sheshi to document life at sea where extreme heat, heavy tropical rain, and relentless engine-room conditions are part of everyday operations.

In these environments, workwear is more than clothing, it’s essential equipment. Built for durability, protection and comfort, KingGee supports the crew as they defend, conserve and protect our oceans. From bridge to engine room, this is performance with purpose.

Can you describe your role on the Age of Union and what a typical day looks like onboard?

I am the Captain of the Age of Union. As Captain there isn’t such things as a typical day, every day comes with different challenges. I am available 24/7 to support the safe navigation of the bridge team, and investigate potential illegal fishing vessels, swinging into action at a moment’s notice.

What are the campaigns you’ve worked on?

I have worked on a wide range of campaigns with Sea Shepherd, from the North Atlantic to the Pacific and the Southern Ocean, to expose the krill fishing fleet or to patrol the waters of our partner countries to fight against Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

What are the environmental conditions you face in the areas you operate (ie weather, deck conditions, mechanical spaces)?

Most of our work against IUU fishing takes us to tropical waters, either in West Africa or in the Pacific. From scorching sun to warm and heavy tropical showers, we really experience all types of weather when at sea, sometimes with multiple changes throughout the day.

How does KingGee workwear perform during a day in the life onboard the Age of Union, especially in tougher environments such as the engine room, deck, and in cold/wet conditions?

Our KingGee workwear is more than just clothing. It’s a tool to protect us and help us in our mission by keeping us protected from the sun, and keeping us dry after the rain with quick-dry fabrics. The workwear from King Gee truly is the best for our missions in tropical climates.

Can you share a moment or memory that reflects why you chose to be part of Sea Shepherd?

I joined Sea Shepherd to be part of the team that defends, conserves and protects the ocean, rather than the team that exploits marine life and endangers its ecosystem! I came to this realization following a dive back home, where the dive site once full of sea life had been hugely impacted by a ghost fishing gear that had been left there by a fisherman. As a group, we came together and sprung into action and removed that net to return the dive site to its true inhabitants, removing the threat of ghost fishing.

What message would you share with people who want to support Sea Shepherd’s mission?

There are many ways to support Sea Shepherd’s mission, from joining us on the ship as a crew member participating directly in our campaigns, or supporting us from shore as a sponsor or donor helping to keep our ships and crew out on patrol doing what they do best: defend, conserve, and protect our ocean. 

What innovations in KingGee overalls would help you in your job?

On the ship, one of the pieces of equipment we all carry everywhere with us is a radio, which is both a communication tool and safety equipment that allows us to raise the alarm in case of emergencies. A strategically-placed radio loop would go a long way in keeping this crucial tool at hand and preventing them from getting damaged by falling from our pockets.

Why is the krill campaign important to you?

Krill is really the underdog of the fight against climate change. Industrial krill fishing not only jeopardizes the equilibrium of the Antarctic ecosystem by preventing endemic species from getting enough food to survive the harsh conditions of Antarctica, it also extracts a major carbon sink that helps regulate gas emission in the atmosphere. Krill captures excess CO2 and naturally sends it to the bottom of the ocean in its natural feeding circle. The more krill, the more CO2 removed from the atmosphere, further fighting the effect of climate change already severely affecting Antarctica.

Can you describe in a few words what makes Antarctica so special?

Antarctica is a place like no other. The sheer beauty of this continent and the symbol of peace, protection, and science that it represents are values worth fighting for! Not only is it a major regulator to the world climate, it’s also a magical place with beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife interactions. Anyone witnessing this can only be further reminded that this place needs protection due to its global impact on our planet.

What would be your advice to KingGee customers?

If you need good workwear, then KingGee has some outstanding products that are both high quality and durable, making it a reliable option for demanding environments.

SECOND ENGINEER – WAKILI JAMES SHESHI

Can you describe your role on the Age of Union and what a typical day looks like onboard?

A typical day begins with taking over engine-room watchkeeping duties in accordance with standard procedures, reviewing standing orders from the Chief Engineer, the Officer of the Watch, and the company’s Technical Superintendent. I carry out routine inspections to ensure all machinery is operating optimally. As Second Engineer, I am responsible for daily operations, maintenance, supervision, machinery monitoring, repairs, record-keeping, and ensuring safety compliance in the engine room while supporting the Chief Engineer.

What are the campaigns you’ve worked on?

I have participated in campaigns in Namibia (2022/2023), The Gambia (2023), Liberia (2023), Gabon (2024), Benin (2024/2025), and São Tomé (2025), among others. These deployments have ranged from hot tropical conditions in West Africa to the extreme cold of Antarctica. Such variations affect seawater cooling systems and require careful adjustment of engines and auxiliary systems, including air conditioning, to maintain safe operations.

How does KingGee workwear perform during a day in the life onboard the Age of Union, especially in tougher environments such as the engine room, deck, and in cold/wet conditions?

KingGee workwear has performed exceptionally well in these demanding conditions. They were tough and durable for the engine-room overhauls and machinery maintenance, while being comfortable in both the tropical regions and cold climates. This includes safety boots, work pants, and shirts. I would welcome additional KingGee workwear.

Can you share a moment or memory that reflects why you chose to be part of Sea Shepherd?

In August 2022, while serving on an oil tanker in West Africa, I saw a lot of plastic pollution in the regional ports, including Lagos, Delta State in Nigeria, and Lomé. I had a conversation with my chief engineer at the time from Ukraine and safety officer from Georgia why this is allowed when MARPOL regulation is clearly against it. This was still bothering me a few days later, when I came across Sea Shepherd’s plastic pollution campaigns on Linkedin. There was a post calling for volunteers, and I signed up immediately. Exactly one month later I was called by Sea Shepherd to join one of their campaigns in October 2022, and have been an ocean warrior with them ever since.

What message would you share with people who want to support Sea Shepherd’s mission?

Sea Shepherd’s cause is a genuine one. It not only helps keep the ocean safe, but also contributes to humanity’s well-being. From plastic pollution cleanups to protecting border regions from illegal fishing and other harmful marine activities, the work safeguards entire ecosystems from collapse. Like I tell people, when you support Sea Shepherd Global, you are also helping to protect yourself and future generations.

What innovations in KingGee overalls would help you in your job?

I would appreciate oil repellant, flame resistant work pants and overalls with reinforced knee and elbow pads safe for day-to-day operations in the engine room.

Why is the krill campaign important to you?

Personally, the krill campaign is important because krill are a primary food source for whales and a key part of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. Protecting krill helps safeguard whale populations and their habitat. The campaign has also helped expose harmful practices and strengthen cooperation with governments to improve protections in the region.

Can you describe in a few words what makes Antarctica so special?

Antarctica is one of the last largely untouched marine ecosystems and a critical habitat for whales. Preserving the region is essential to protecting the broader ocean environment.

What would be your advice to KingGee customers?

When you purchase KingGee you are partnering with the best in quality, comfort, durability and engineered technology in performance and design in all they do.

If you would like to donate and learn more about Sea Shepherd

please visit their site: www.seashepherd.org.au/