The Merchant Marine Express

I’ve been home for two days now! The quietness is unbelievable
My relief hadn’t shown until mid way through my afternoon cargo Watch. His flight was delayed, flying from Houston.

I found out soon enough, that he had worked aboard the sistership, the Chemical Trader. Therefore, much of what was onboard, was similar to both ships. Some of the cargo equipment was different, however. The way the mates monitor cargo were slightly different as a SAAB unit was primarily utilized on the Chemical Trader as opposed to our ship, where Hermetic tapes were used during topping off. As well, the computer system for keeping track of cargo volumes on board the sistership, had different software. Nonetheless, I worked throughout the four hour period, discussing similarities and differences with Colin, the new Third Mate. Along with Chief Mate Mike, the second “Chief-Mate-Mike”, the topping off process of loading cargo went quick, as both Diesel and Jet cargoes finished before my four hour watch was completed. Almost to the quarter-inch, as the cargo was closely monitored by a tape measure with a sensor attached to its end, the beep of the alarm, recognizes when the liquid climbs within the tanks. Since we cannot ‘peer’ into the tanks to witness the level of the hazaedous and volatile liquid, this monitoring system is key.

Within minutes of finishing the watch, I quickly changed into different jeans and shirt, and called a cab, whereby I was whisked away to a hotel before flying out on the twentieth.

My flight was supposed to take me from Lake Charles via Houston, then to Cleveland, before a commuter flight to Flint. However, upon touching down in Cleveland and disembarking into the terminal, I noticed the only bold red “Cancel” in the line describing the Flint, Michigan flight. Apparently, the flight was scrubbed due to maintenance issues.

I quickly contacted a customer service booth of Continental Airlines, and they re routed me through Detroit within an hour! This was somewhat convenient, as I had my wife contact a taxi service in Detroit, to pick me up and transport me to Lexington. My worries were quelled as the change in flight itinerary enabled me to land earlier in Michigan. in deed, it all worked out, yet after the two and a half hour long drive, I was home! A special thanks to Rob, the driver at Airport Bus and Limo services, out of Detroit.

Tags: Michigan – Home Port