The Merchant Marine Express

I am writing to you as it’s settled down outside, and a quiet night in comparison from being a busy few days. The ship is in the midst of getting a “grocery-sized list” of much needed work. Welding, machinery fitting, and inspections of tanks and shipboard equipment are on going. Since Saturday, shipyard workers have been working around the clock, and scattered fore and aft while tending to the demands of what jobs are expected.

One of the items on the list;one of the engines is getting a replacement cylinder and I am assuming some exhaust or intake valves are being replaced, as well. Many cartons of wooden boxes with cylinder or valve components have been received and have delicately been handled and lowered into the engine rooms which lie deep beneath the ship’s interior.

As well,the cargo tanks are being individually inspected for integrity purposes. I believe I heard that one or a couple of tanks needed servicing due to some hairline cracks. All tanks have been gas freed and monitored for oxygen content at the minimal 20.9 percent required to sustain life while working within the emptied tanks.

Mostly, as are the responsibilities of the mates, we stand the eight-hour Watch each day. As visitors or crew members arrive to the ship or leave for the day, either myself or the Able Seaman on Watch sees to it, that the logbook is updated, yet not indiscriminately as half the personnel are new to the ship and identifications are thus,checked.

Otherwise, the remaining time during the eight hour period is mostly boring and rounds of the deck and chances to venture out and inspect what weather is present; just so that we don’t fall asleep or miss out on anything vital to the safety of the ship.

Luckily,I have been able to see the town, within the past few days! On Saturday, I made the decision early in the morning to call a taxi and demanded that I be taken to the French Quarter. There,I would scout out Bourbon Street and Canal Street, anticipating the gathering of tourists and locals later in the night as this would set the stage as the primary attraction that entices young and old to wander what seems to be in an aimless fashion, upon narrow roads closely watched by law enforcement and between historical buildings dating back two centuries or older. Housed within the French Quarter are famous Pubs, restaurants, jazz venues and souvenir shops that have each, a unique adornment in the windows attracting visitors. There seems to be no other motive but for those to people watch as visitors from all states as well as those from unidentified countries pass through the cordened- off streets as yells and hollers from all sides enter my reverberating eardrums.

I was able to order a Po’ Boy sandwich from Mother’s restaurant, which, was recommended by a souvenir shop I had visited just a while earlier. Along with this sandwich that is famous in the South, I ordered a Crab Bisque that was quite good and had chunks of crab and shrimp to savor.

That night, I returned with a couple of crew members from the ship, as we walked the streets among the packed crowds and we were quite amazed at the drunken lot! In New Orleans, drinking laws are relaxed as patrons can walk the streets with an alcoholic drink in hand, and you can ask for a “cup to go” if you decide of a bar elsewhere to frequent. This is a city where “southern comfort” means more than a mantra and jazz music along with excellent cuisine satisfies the soul.

Well, Coast Guard Inspection on Thursday as the crew will be versed in their abilities to demonstrate Fire and Emergency Drills along with an Abandon Ship Drill. That will be the last day before Captain Schurman takes over the command from Captain Smith and possibly our ticket to shove off for sea, bound for Lake Charles, Louisiana and Cargo, at last!

Have a great day!

Tags: Chemical Explorer