The Merchant Marine Express

SS Petersburg

The ho-hum life of sitting alongside a pier and ,basically, awaiting orders is just fine with most, onboard the Petersburg! Standing an eight-hour watch and then doing some preventative maintainance during off-hours leads to somewhat of a productive day for me, as well. The time goes by smoothly and quickly and hours spent making ’rounds’ and tending to small chores makes for a safe ship.
Well, we’ve had our second Fire Drill and Boat Drill on Wednesday,and each time, we simulate a
fire in a region of the ship that offers some challenges and lower the lifeboats that are usually poised on either side of the “after-part” (or furthest towards the back) of the ship.
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It’s been over a week and I am settling into my job aboard the SS Petersburg as Third Mate. The 730 foot tanker has been pre-positioned in the South Pacific and is under the guidance of the US Navy.

Over a week and a half ago, I was uncertain as to my fate aboard a ship. The Summer was fast approaching and with a new License, in hand, I was sure something would metamorph into a nice paying job. But days grew into weeks and upon the third week in May, I was slightly apprehensive.
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Hi Folks-
I’ve accepted a job as Third Mate on board the Steam Ship PETERSBURG and fly to meet it on Saturday for a four-month assignment!

The union (American Maritime Officers Union) called me today saying they needed someone quickly to relieve a Third Mate who needs to return home for an Emergency.

I was surprised, yet, honored that they called upon me since I was number 25 on the list (a total of 50 mariners including 2nd Mates are on the waiting list for jobs).
I believe the reason I was chosen was due to the fact I held a tanker-qualification as many Mariners do not have such documentation.
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