During the years I spent working aboard commercial U.S. Flag Merchant ships the time spent at sea seemed endless. Yes there were days at sea where we never saw another ship. There were times when the sunrise and the sunset were magnificent to witness. Another aspect of these months at sea was the freedom it gave me to have earned months of vacation which had to be taken. Through the course of these years I was able to complete my MBA Degree. In addition, three of us – all merchant mariners … [Read more...]
How Far Do You Plan For Your Plan B? To Plan C? To Plan D?
Once humans figured out how to put together a few trees, make them watertight and were able to control its direction, they began to explore nearby lands and people via water. As commercial shipping evolved into business enterprises where the ships set sail for and what the intended trade would entail began to be determined by the home office. Although without the ability to communicate regularly things didn’t always go according to plan. Today, in theory, communication is instantaneous from … [Read more...]
Where is Your Safe Place?
Ships at sea are witnesses to the art of nature. The beauty of a sunset as the red, orange and purple colors bring a close to the day. The wonder of a sunrise as the light from the sun seems to come right out of the ocean on the horizon. There are the dangers brought from nature as well. Ships are exposed to all of the elements of nature. The fury of a storm with strong winds and heavy seas tossing a ship about like a mere cork floating in the open ocean. For years if the storm was … [Read more...]
What Do You Do When The Sh!t Hits The Fan?
The drills and planning at times seem endless. For commercial ships and especially ships carrying passengers these are required. Specific drills, instructions, signage, placards and more are posted by law in exact locations with exact wording. The drills must take place within a certain amount of time when initially departing with new passengers and each week thereafter. Every crew member has a job to perform during the drill and a station to report to immediately when the alarm … [Read more...]
How Do You Navigate Uncharted Seas?
Although this Month the general topic will be around the International Rules of the Road. There are certain times where you are in ‘uncharted seas’. These 'uncharted seas' represent situations where others have not navigated before. If you are not familiar, the Bermuda Triangle, section of the North Atlantic Ocean off North America in which more than 50 ships and 20 airplanes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. https://www.britannica.com/place/Bermuda-Triangle When transiting … [Read more...]
