The Merchant Marine Express

Vol.1,No#11
The Job requirements to be a merchant marine involve more than just navigational duties.

Albeit, Navigation encompasses situational awareness, good Bridge “resource” management, and good organizational skills, the job as a Third Mate includes the maintainance and inspections of many Damage Control,Firefighting and Lifesaving gear. A lot of this equipment is checked on a monthly basis, and requires up-keep since a ship yard period happens but onece every two years.

I’ve only been in the Merchant Marine industry since end of 2000, but I have worked in the private sector, in various jobs since I was sixteen years old. The fascinating thing about what I know today, and what has made me a good “Mate” is the fact that I had a lot of prior jobs in all kinds of fields. Some of these jobs have conditioned me in thinking a different way, than if I were to start off in this Industry, as a youngster. Here are a few good examples…

For a period of about eight years, starting in my Sophomore year in High School, I had a job that required me to check on Billboard signs and report on their condition, to a company. Actually, I sent the memos of billboards, which were affected, back to my Supervisor. In turn, he would forward the work to Gannett Outdoor Advertising and I would get a check in a week or two.

This particular job has helped me with attention to detail in my current profession, and the knowledge of writing “on the go”..as in the case of my monthly inspections. Although I do make frequent checks on equipment, and on a set weekly,monthly basis….I don’t need to zoom past in a vehicle to do so, anymore. But the joke is, that a Third Mate is seen with only a clipboard and maybe an occasional work bag, in hand…walking about in a seemingly “aimless manner”.

I also worked in the car business, either by washing cars or parking cars as a Lot Attendant at a local Ford Dealership back in Sacramento…in the mid Nineties. Now, here’s where my supervisory skills and delegatory responsibilites were conceived. I remember the days when I was in charge of four other Lot Attendants and ensured the vehicles that needed to be serviced, were moved from the entrance drive, and to their respective work bays.

Today, as a Third Officer, I over see my subordinates who are the Ordinary Seamen(entry level) and Able-Bodied Seamen and offer advice and training, at times, during a Bridge “Watch”.

Normally, in port though, the unlicensed crew are supervised mostly by the Bosun or Chief Officer. In other circumstances with prior knowledge in the car business, now…I help with the loading of “wheeled” cargo; overseeing their stowage and ensuring the cargo is secure for sea.

A lot of what I learned through my past has helped me with my daily routines aboard ship. It amazes me sometimes that I have worked almost fifteen years in various jobs before getting to the merchant marines. But, it sure has helped!

Have a good one!

Tags: USNS Charlton