Loading Coal in Chicago!
24 October 2006
We are loading coal in South Chicago, down the Calumet River which is in between Buffington and Indiana Harbor .
These boats only require a few hours of loading and unloading time before moving onto the next port. Between seven and sixteen hours and twenty-three thousand tons later, it takes to load one of these huge freighters. You can see the warmth of the petro-cargo in the form of steam as the oil-based cargo actually is warmed because of its absorption to light. The temperature has finally reached the upper 40’s so this feels like a day, in paradise as compared to the previous week.
Although I was given a date by which I would be going home, I am now finding out a few things that puzzle me. First of all, my Union- American Maritime Officers Union (AMO) has had a dispute with contract negotiations with the company, Great Lakes Fleet, and is going around the fleet of eight boats to try and get a vote to Strike! Well, if it goes as planned, we will be laying up the boat on or around the 30th of October and will, essentially, be out of a job. Basically, if the officers- both engine and deck, walk off, then the unlicensed crew will follow suit.
However, I just found out today that the third Mate who was planning on relieving my position is NOT coming out now, and I was given the go ahead to stay another month- until December. This gives me a chance to make some more money, and be guaranteed a Christmas, at home. So, what will happen in the days to come…?? I’ll sure clue you in, once I know.
Have a great day!
-Nadir
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