Last Wednesday, Mr Withers, a crew member on the Durban 2010 And Beyond clipper boat, visited the Central Fire Station during his nine-day stopover in Singapore.
'It was great to have the opportunity to meet the firefighters here,' said Mr Withers. 'There is a great bond between firefighters all around the world.'
In his 18 years with London's Fire Brigade, the 44-year-old has helped at Ground Zero following the Sept 11, 2001 attacks in New York and was also on the scene after the July 2005 bombings in London.
His experience as a firefighter has helped him adapt to life on the high seas.
The amateur sailor said he adjusted well to the boat's strict routine of watches and his quick reactions help in tense situations.
The Durban 2010 And Beyond is one of 10 boats that stopped here last week in the midst of an 10-month race around the world.