The Merchant Marine Express

All my fellow crew aboard the SMT Chemical Explorer have been glued to the satellite television on Captain Phillips off the containership, Maersk Alabama and what new circumstances played out for the entire world to witness during these five nail biting days. Just as everyone reading this is relieved to find the captain safe of this horrible ordeal, I want to personally say how heroic he was for offering his life in place of the rest of the crew aboard the Alabama. The seemingly fearless crew, as well, should be given top honors as their efforts quell any more chances that this hijacking could have escalated further.

In deed, piracy has become rampant in many parts of the world, but where the Red Sea, Sea of Aden and along the Eastern coast of Africa converge seems to be most threatening in recent months.
The United States Navy bravely stepped in and became big brother, showing force against the Conspirators even if, at the last moment. As we all had our own renditions on how this situation could have been thwarted or settled, the true outcome was a result of patience, vigilance, and keen training on the part of the military as well as the collective efforts of the merchant marine crew aboard the containership.

As a former employee of Maersk Line, Ltd, I know that this company holds ship security and personal safety as it relates to terrorism, a big priority. Much of the training such as protecting against terrorism helps the mariner desensitize against such threats and provides the tools and knowledge on how to handle such crisis. Most within the American merchant marine have had some sort of security training at least once in their careers.
Remember, there’s no police to call, no Special Forces battalion close by to assist when needed, while at sea. Ships regularly travel the seas without nearly a defense against pirates except the use of fire hoses, special flood lights and possibly a parabolic sound system, so the threat lives with those who sail, everyday. It’s at the Master’s discretion what action is required to defend against this on going threat.

We’ve made another exchange of cargo in Tampa (April 15). The thunderstorms which roared through the area on Tuesday have since disappeared. The region received a formidable amount of rain during that time, and I can say that docking and undocking was a challenge due to the Deluge.

Have a great day!

Tags: Chemical Explorer