It’s My ‘Tern’!
My sea legs are beginning to sprout, yet again! The American Tern has accepted yours truly- Third Mate, and already I’ve been tasked with demands that will keep me busy in the months to come!
As I walked towards the gangway, after arriving into Norfolk, Virginia, I noticed how much the ‘Tern’ looked awkward empty and with most of its weight back aft, the ship’s bow protruded out of the water; Its bulbous bow was sticking out like a sore thumb!. With three massive cranes poised in their stowed position, this ship is apparently capable of self unloading any type of cargo, imaginable.
Nonetheless, I greeted the AB on watch, at the gangway, and was introduced soon thereafter to the Chief Mate, John, who was eager to whisk me away to my room. The off-going Third Mate had already departed early in the morning, so any questions I needed answered, I would be able to ask the Mate or read the turnover notes, which were typed up, neatly by the third mate. I made the climb up two flights to the Second deck.
My stateroom was a tiny, yet cozy room with an adjoining ‘day room’. The day room was setup much like an office, with a bench seat and a table off to one side, and a desk with a chair, in the corner. I briefly made a scan of both rooms, yet couldn’t find any evidence of any television or satellite receiver. I was onboard an almost twenty-year ship, built by the Germans just as the cold war was ending its era of iron fisted rule. The Russians had taken possession of the ship for their use, and evidence of this can still be found throughout the vessel. Much of the original paperwork and transcripts for technical layouts and schematics are in Russian and German.
I had little time to unpack, as I wanted to make sure I walked the ship and inspect its basic whereabouts of various locations. She was about to shift to another dock within two hours of signing on, as I would be responsible for the undocking of the Stern with some of the Able Seamen assisting.
My day concluded at midnight. You see, I had woken up at five thirty in the morning to catch the early flight, and continued to work throughout the day as I stood the sixteen-to-midnight watch, usually reserved for the third mate, in port. I was completely exhausted, yet slept sound, on the full sized mattress in a dark, dark room.
We’re awaiting to depart on Monday. The Atlantic will be our highway for the next ten days. Contractors are finishing up their work, as the ship required some much needed maintenance. I stowed the lifeboat gear into their respective compartments within the twenty-man boats and the ship received a large shipment of food and other supplies necessary for sustaining up to sixty days before replenishment.
I’m a bit tired, as I say good night.
Have a great start of the work week. I know I will.
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