Settled In and beginning to Load cargo!
Lake Charles,Louisiana
Destination: Citgo Refineries
Hello Folks! I’ve embarked on another trip aboard the SMT Chemical Explorer!Pardon for the delay in writing this message as things have become busy and I’ve had to adjust to the akward hours of this work schedule. Waking up at three o’ clock in the morning has not been a task I’ve had to encounter for quite sometime.
To begin with, I flew on the ninth of February after enduring a cold, cold winter in Michigan as my sense and excitement for warmer weather was evident as the ship’s regular run between Gulf ports of Louisiana and Florida would make anyone living in a cold climate, envious. However, the climate is typical for a southern region as fog, rain and cloudy skies along with reasonably seasonable temperatures in the low sixties have become the norm.
The ship was just about to shift between docks as cargo was concluded at the Citgo receiving plant and as I happened to arrive just making it to the gangway seconds before the crew hoisted it, on board. The quick transit of a mile between docks would take an hour, just enough time to ask my relief, Colin, of all the happenings since I’ve been away. He was surely glad to see that I made it safe and more so because he could go home after this long, and seemingly torturous time spent, on board.
My room is now the hospital. And my duties would include assuming the role of medical officer and helping with any crewmember needing assistance with sicknesses or any injuries incurred.
I took an advanced medical course while at Academy back in year 2000. This course prepares the mariner for more than the basic medical training than just First Aid. After completion of the semester long class, I received a certificate entitled, “Medical Person-In-Charge”. Of course, through the years, I’ve not been tasked to assist with crewmembers on medical issues, and took a refresher course at the union training facility in the last five years.
All the officers are very nice to work with. Captain Smith returned after being away for a short period, and will complete the remaining time of
forty-five days before he heads off for his routine vacation period. Chief mate Mike is the only other permanent deck officer as both the second and other third mate are new hires. However, as new as they may seem, they are both extremely compatible, in my book. I’ve worked alongside Second Mate Wayne a few years back, while on the Seabulk Power. He was like a big brother to me, as he helped mentor me through the process of obtaining my Person-In-Charge certificate for tanker qualifications. Seth, the third mate, is fairly new to sailing as he received his license in the past year from being a cadet at Texas A&M Academy and is equally a pleasure to work alongside.
We’re currently at anchor and have successfully loaded diesel fuel for the ship generators and awaiting to shift to he nearby dock. Rain and limited visability is hampering efforts to begin the short transit, but by early morning, we should be alongside the dock ready to load cargo.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you all, and enjoy your weekend!
One Response to “Settled In and beginning to Load cargo!”
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Hey Nate. Glad you are back in the groove. That Medical Officer tag is no small responsibility. Hope you don’t have any serious accidents or illnesses.
Here is a suggestion for an upcoming blog: How much does it cost to keep your ship afloat each day? Try to get pretty specific, summing up fuel, food, labor, and other expenses…..harbor fees, pilot fees, etc.
I bet the costs are a real eye opener!