To Save a Wretch

In the 1980s, Ross Clifford takes a job as a radio officer aboard a small tramp ship in order to run away from the dire consequences of his complicated personal lifestyle. The ship, however, turns out to be not quite what it seems. Why do the crew members of such an old tub wear such smart uniforms? Why does such a ship carry a beautiful blonde female doctor? Why is the Captain so secretive about the coded messages Ross has to send and receive? Who are the mysterious people Ross hears on deck but never sees? What really happened to Ross's predecessor? Has Ross made a terrible mistake, making his problems even worse than before?