The Sheriff reports aboard!
Vol. 2, No. 14 (supplement)
IN PORT
The Ship has called to port, yet another time! This visit marks a month before I sign off, and head home. It is all down hill from here!
It has been a steady, yet busy week onboard. The military has been busy doing their tasks, and requiring the assistance from the ship’s crew- namely the navigational officers. I now know what the joke is about “military intelligence”…what they say or tell us, you do the opposite! Also-maneuvering a 905 ft. ship is a challenging thing, ya know!! Nothing like the agility and performance of the BMW I own, though. However, this ship DOES have an engine made by “B & W”, which sounds much like the famous Bavarian automaker! (I thought they were saying “Bee ‘em double’ yu” all along!) Ya know….40,000 horsepower isn’t something to snicker at!
Back to port business: this port stay is a nice reprieve from the demanding work we just completed.
We had a small crew change today. Third Mate, Rich ,”The Sheriff” left and was relieved by another Third Mate, Murphy. Rich was given a “mutual consent”, by the ship’s master and chief mate. This means, the company fronted his flight home, otherwise under other circumstances. And nothing would go against him , on his record. (Missing a turn and blatantly lying about why you didn’t turn, can get you in trouble, on this ship).He would have been obligated to pay his way home using his own money.
I was given the task to give an orientation to the new crewmembers who haven’t sailed onboard this ship before. I also played the secretary- running around, issuing updated crew lists to various Department heads- Steward Dept,. Engine Dept., Deck Dept., etc.
As I’ve noted in the past, the day of “Arrival” (into Port) are the most hectic- especially the first four hours. We received shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen goods and various bulk items intended for the Steward Department/Galley. Also on our schedule, we took on fuel from a Barge that delivered about five hours worth of Marine-grade diesel. Our ship utilizes a light-consistency fuel for its generators, and a heavy, less refined fuel that much resembles “tar”.
This bunker-grade fuel has to be gradually heated up to a temperature around 180-190 degrees, in order for it to start “flowing” and be ready for use.
With all the activities- ship being cleared by customs, foreign currency exchanged, and port agent making a visit, the ship finally settled into a slow rhythm by lunchtime. All of this, and all on my Watch! Whew! And during my Watch, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut-off, and was told by a few people to take it easy and take a breather for a moment! Well…how is one supposed to run up and down ten flights of stairs and back in two minutes, and not feel rushed? I remember the days when I was just a lot attendant and made it a point to “run” and pick up cars for customers. I guess the higher up you go in the “chain of command” the LESS you ought to run. Regardless, I still believe I can be in three places at the same time!
Speaking of which- I have to go “meet the launch (boat)” and make sure these drunken sailors can make it up the Gangway without any drama!
Have a great day!
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