The Merchant Marine Express

I finally made it to my ship after a long day of travels! After waking up at 3:45am and driving the ninety miles to the Flint Airport, I found out at the ticket counter that the plane would be delayed. There wasn’t a sure answer from the Delta Representative after I asked, “…how long of a delay?”

But, yet,after a forty-five minute delay, which seemed to go on forever, the plane did eventually take-off! Some how, miraculously, the plane made it to Atlanta, my connecting airport,with only ten minutes of actual delay time! After a change of planes, the last leg of my anxiously awaited journey would finally come to an end at Hobby Airport, located in Houston, Texas. A taxi that I had arranged to pick me up,was awaiting my arrival at the local Taxi stand and the seemingly friendly
driver,Theo, wasn’t all that helpful with helping me as he watched me struggle as I dropped both bags in the rear section of the mini van with a loud, “THUNK!”.

I sure thought I had it made! I called the Launch boat Captain notifying him of my intended arrival into Galveston, and had a ride on a very mild, yet, breezy Sunday afternoon in a State where there would be no existing snow- in Texas! What could possibly go wrong with this picture?!Well, LOTS!!!

First of all, Theo, couldn’t hear past his ear whiskers;I was talking to him for a half minute before I realized he hadn’t even acknowledged me and then with a quick shout I yelled, “..hey, driver..didn’t you hear a word I said?”. “..Huh? Were you talking to me..?” He replied and then I knew all that was
normal, was going in a bad direction, and quickly. You see, the hour long taxi ride fare I was quoted, over the phone,of fifty-five bucks, was soon thrown out the window. Just as soon as he flipped the meter to “on” and pressed a few buttons indicating he was in some serious thought about money, the fare amount piled up quickly.

I called the dispatcher just at that time, to complain, and all I got in turn was a reply saying,”..we never said we would offer a flat rate. A ride out to where you want to go is AT LEAST $100″ (twice what they mentioned over the phone).I was furious. What could I do? Besides, now the hard of
hearing man who hardly knew any words of English, was driving ten miles per hour BELOW the Speed Limit and Chewing sunflower seeds which were deflected into my face, as the wind whisped by.

So, with a quick thought, I said for him to pull over at the nearest strip mall and I would have the Captain of the launch boat, pick me up! I had hardly any money in my pocket, or in my bank, to pay for the fare. I gave him all my money in my pocket and ended up charging the remaining thirteen
dollars to my debit card! I gave no tip, as well!

But before I knew it, I was quickly transported in Captain Sean’s truck to the waiting service boat that would end up taking me directly to the ship, at anchor.
The Crowley owned tanker,CHEMICAL EXLPORER, was soon in our sights and what a large and magnificent ship it was as it lay at anchor like a sleeping giant resting between journeys.
A hop onto the sturdy, yet, narrow accomodation ladder which was lowered off the side of the barge portion for my access, and I was soon aboard!

Quickly I was ushered to the Captain’s stateroom whereby I was introduced to Captain Shannon Smith, a seasoned, middle aged, man who gave me a firm handshake and a welcome! I offered all my documents and paperwork to him, and was summoned by the Third Mate, by whom I would end up relieving, to review the list of items required to assume the first Watch of my two and a half month journey!

I had a nice stateroom with a large full sized bed and a massive television, atop a beaureau next to a desk and a leather recliner. Adjacent was a bathroom the size of some gymnasium locker rooms. Older grouted tile with off-white stained walls.

I took some instruction from the Third Mate, Andy Eastman, just before he had to catch the launch boat back to shore for his anticipated trip back home! And then my body motioned towards the bed for the long awaited nap as I layed down for the remaining two hours before I would be responsible for the first Duty “Watch” from eight o’ clock until midnight.

My day started out at 3am and would not end until twenty-one hours later, yet, I was all smiles; for I have just finished my first day onboard the CHEMICAL EXPLORER!

Tags: Chemical Explorer