Still awaiting orders for cargo
I’ve been eagerly walking the deck of this massive tug/barge combination and getting familiarized with everything associated with the ship. Since we’re at anchor, this gives me an advantage of checking out all the ship has to offer that would, otherwise, not be available if we were busy with cargo.
The intricate web of piping and the umpteen amounts of valves and gauges required to operate such a complex operation, has taken a toll on me, thus far, energy-wise! I stand the Watch from eight o’clock in the morning until Noon, then study the unfamiliar equipment from noon until four o’clock, followed by a one hour rest before standing the rest of the Watch from eight o’ clock at night through midnight…I can’t let sleep get in the way when I’m on a roll here! (But I do get rest, when I need it!).
A typical day out here, nonetheless!
Well, no sooner was I trained by the other Third Mate, onboard, that he was scheduled to go home and then a brand new-out-of-the-academy-grad, stepped onboard, this afternoon!
Even though I am fairly competent at ships, I would believe, tankers are rather new to me. Among the fifteen ships, I’ve had the experience of working aboard,this would be my fourth tanker, but only the first, since receiving my specific Person-In-Charge Certificate last May. I take that back..the Petersburg tanker was my first tanker as a qualified mate, but we didn’t operate cargo while in Guam, so this is why I am reluctant to call that my first, true tanker job.
Moving on..I’ve settled into my stateroom, nicely. It’s furnished with a comfortable full sized bed, and I’ve not woken up in the middle of the night, like I normally do. Maybe it’s true exhaustion I’m experiencing!
A leather recliner and a desk completes the semi-professional décor with a gigantic television as entertainment. We do get DirectTV as a perk! About this ship, the Chemical Explorer..it looks like any ordinary ship from a distance. Its barge looks much like any ordinary hull on any other tanker,yet,the only difference is the notch between the ‘tug’ and the barge; a noticeable seam that cuts between the forward end of the super structure towards the aft end, made of vulcanized rubber that can only be identified from onboard the ship. There are two short walkways that allow you to cross from the tug to the barge, more evidence this is not a conventional ship.
An interesting factoid to add, the barge portion is nearly identical to another ship I was fortunate to only work five weeks- the SEABULK AMERICA. I never had worked as much in so few of days, in all my life while on the AMERICA! So,this tug was previously named the “OXY GROWER” which was a sister tug to the “OXY PRODUCER” that originally was attached to the barge portion of the AMERICA, before it was modified into a single unit tanker as its known, today. Just slight modifications were made that differs from the barge.
We see no sign of moving from our anchorage spot within the next few days, and so email access will continue to be available. No Internet is provided, however.
Cousin, Shane, is graciously assisting with attaching new entries onto the website for your enjoyment and it pleases me to no end, that I can offer such detailed reports since this website has been established.
Have a great day and enjoy the beginning of Spring!
One Response to “Still awaiting orders for cargo”
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Hey Nate. How about providing some interesting specifications: How many gallons (barrels) does the ship transport, how many cars could one load serve for one year (at est. 24 mpg, 12,000 miles per yr), and what would be the approximate retail value of an entire load (at the damn high price of $3.40/gal).
Although this is not necessarily for you to know, but readers might be interested in learning how many barrels of oil are needed to make one load of gasoline.
One last question. Give me your best estimate as to how long the entire oil-to-gas process takes. Let’s say the oil comes from Saudi Arabia and is shipped to the refinery in Texas and is eventually distributed to retailers in Florida. I bet your captain would have a good idea on this.