The Merchant Marine Express

It was another successful load of gasoline and jet fuel for the Chemical Explorer as it delivered the precious cargo while in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and now we’re heading back to our staging area, as I call it, in Galveston, Texas to wait for another load of fuel from somewhere! A few events took place which made the stay in Florida, challenging.

We had a changing of the Chief Mates, first of all. Tom, who was Second Mate when I signed aboard, returned as Chief Mate after a two week hiatus. I thanked Mike, the off going Chief Mate, for all the help during my three weeks aboard,as he was invaluable in increasing my progressive learning
curve.

This would be Tom’s second trip as Chief Mate, as he is fairly new to the task, yet,has worked aboard this particular vessel for a couple of years so he knows it quite well.

AB,Ted, who stood the Watch with me, has left to go home as his contract of seventy-five days has ended. You could tell he was anxious to leave since he grimaced at each missed opportunity during the past few days while we were motoring off the coast, as each passing day, the local arbormaster would push back our Pilot boarding time. But, finally, the time would come when we would be called into Port and the relief for Ted was evident.

I found a couple more events of particular interest that I should share with you.

First, as the ship was discharging cargo, and as the power capacity decreased due to demands of additional machinery usage, the ship suddenly lost power and the emergency generator was all that kept vitals such as lighting and other critical power equipment up-and-running. Thankfully, this happened in the morningtime, yet, the delay cost the ship an hour of stoppage. And with a record setting pace of discharging cargo, we would still be ahead of schedule even with the delay.

Second, news of the Chief Steward’s twin brother’s untimely death,was all the reason for the Steward’s quick departure from the ship. He had just signed on a couple of weeks ago, and seemed to be adjusting quite nicely just prior to the notice.

In addition, I also learned of the Engine Utility crewmember, Tim, who wasfired due to returning late to the ship after becoming AWOL. Apparently he was arrested by local Sheriffs for trespassing. He wasn’t doing an adequate job, prior to the incident which made the decision making process of letting
him go, easier for the Captain.

The new AB, Pedro, who partners on the Watch with me, has warmed up quickly to tasks, at hand. He spoke of working aboard this very ship, ten years ago so certain things he’s becoming acquainted. And as an older gentleman, he has quite a number of years experience on his belt and can offer some good advice and additional knowledge which will be of good use, to me. He also speaks Spanish fluently and with a heavy accent I am not used to hearing.

At any rate, seas of six to eight feet and building as we’re heading North west and are currently due West of the Keys, and the Dry Tortugas as fresh North-westerly breeze is causing nice white caps to form off in the direction of the starboard bow. Skies are clear and the light from the half moon along with the bright stars are making for a scenic night.

Have a great day!

Tags: Chemical Explorer