The Merchant Marine Express

I’ve wondered, recently, on what the fate of some ships that I worked, has been? Many of the government ships, and even commercial tankers, being similar to a winning thoroughbred race horse’s lucrative career involving competitiveness, have either been proverbially “put to pasture” by sitting in some mothball fleet, or refitted for a second career; extending their service life, for a few more valuable years.

I found through Internet searches, that one of these vessels, the USNS BOLD, has been reassigned with the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) maritime division. Contacting one of the department heads, I learned of this action and was told the ship was in good hands and found to be resting in Hawaii, awaiting orders. Not sure whether the current demands enable her to work from day-to-day, I just hope she’s continuing to provide for the EPA, the unrelenting service, that she gave to the maritime industry’s naval branch. If she could tell her story, she would mention of the years she spent abroad and off many of the coasts of the European countries within the Mediterranean Sea and what ports offered her crew formidable tales to share with their friends and families.

Just within the past year, the tanker, that I knew as the Seabulk Power ,has been refitted to work within the flourishing grain trade although I am not certain if Seabulk International has kept her. I saw a photo of the ‘Power’ in one of the union’s membership newsletter as she was delivering bulk cargo to some international port. She’s continuing to provide employment for American Maritime Officers, I do know. The tanks are just as suitable for dry cargoes on most tankers and can provide continuing profits as demand for liquid cargo recedes. I’m thankful to see the ship progressing, nicely.

Sadly, however, the most recent ship I called home for four months during Summer of 2007, the Steam Ship, S.S Petersburg, awaits her fate all the while sitting idle at a lay berth in Alameda, California. She was pulled out of service eight months ago and her crew and officers were all reassigned to other active ships within the company. Being all of forty five years old, she’s well beyond her service life of twenty years, and is not entitled to continue service as a single-hulled tanker. But the ‘Pete’ was in great shape due to the government contract and funding provided in keeping her in service. Her hull encompassed by one inch plating may produce some fine heavy-duty razor blades!

Among the fifteen ships I’ve had the luxury of working aboard during these past eight years; most are still active in some trade and are continuing to support the merchant marine. Some, such as the Large Medium-Speed Roll on/Roll off (LMSR) government ships, are awaiting orders as they sit at rest at some remote pier in some country or anchored off some
island in Reduced Operational Status (ROS). Their ship service life is relatively young, and they have many more years to offer.

Looking back at the past, and reminiscing on these eight years of learning, I can say, safely that these ships have provided a platform that brought a bundle of numerous experiences, which, took me to many far away places that I would have not normally visited if it were not for the fact I joined into this elite group called the Merchant Marine. They all hold, dear, a place in my heart.

Have a great day!

Tags: Chemical Explorer