31MAY2018

Location: Mosaic Terminal St. James, LA and Mississippi River en route to Tampa, FL;

Events: Came on the 1^st watch with the barge already tied off at the terminal and loading sulfur so I spent the watch keeping an eye on the loading process. Crew change happened around 11am, with the tankermen from my watch getting off and the other guys we relieved two weeks ago getting back on. I went out to the barge early for the 2^nd watch to assist with finalizing the loading. After disconnecting from the terminal, we waited for the assist tug to arrive, cast off line, and began our trek back downriver and back to Tampa. After we finished all the deck work to get underway, the lead tankerman noticed the forward capstan had leaked some hydraulic fluid sometime after we had used it to haul the two bow lines in. Thankfully it wasn’t a whole lot and was nowhere near at risk of leaving the containment area. Tomorrow I think we will take off the access panel and see if we can find what’s leaking inside.

Things learned about vessel/barge: More practice on disconnecting the barge from the terminal booms

Classroom information application(s): Tankerman (PIC) procedures, NAVGEN Western Rivers, Bridges, Air Draft

Supplemental Information: Today will make two loads and discharges each towards the five of each I need for my Tankerman (PIC) ticket. I’ve transferred fuel to the boat from the barge twice also, but I’m not sure of that counts as a load, a discharge, or both. I got the meet the two new tankermen I’ll be working with, one guy is actually younger than me, though not by much, which is a novelty. I think we will get along fine. I tell you what, it seems like every time we get underway, something on this boat or barge breaks or gets messed up.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? Passing and Crossing in a Channel, River Traffic Stand-On and Give-Way vessels, Vessels at Anchor Lights and Day Shapes

30MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico, Entering the Mississippi River, en route to St. James, LA;

Events: We started off the 1^st watch setup and starting to do some chipping on the forward barge wenches, but we entered the Mississippi River at Port Eads sooner than the lead tankerman expected us to and we canceled that task for some inexplicable reason for another one. So instead we went into the pump room and replaced the automated water trap on the starboard pump engine’s air-start line with a simple ball valve. It seems the port engine’s water trap fouled out last night and was replaced in a such a way, thus this mirror job. We took on a Pilot sometime around 10am to guide us the rest of the way up to St. James. The 2^nd watch was pretty quiet, no real tasking assigned.

Things learned about vessel/barge: What a water trap is, and how to replace it

Classroom information application(s): NAVGEN Western Rivers, Bridges, Air Draft

Supplemental Information: We lucked out on some great weather today, and the river is flowing to beat the band, so the transit upstream has been remarkably pleasant. We rolled past NOLA early in the 2^nd watch and it was nice to see, I could just barely hear some street performers playing music as we passed down town. I was surprised at how little river traffic we encountered, I figured it would be an ant’s nest of boats going to and fro. There was still plenty of commercial boats moving about, just far less then I imagined.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? Passing and Crossing in a Channel, River Traffic Stand-On and Give-Way vessels

29MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico, South of Pensacola, FL en route to St. James, LA;

Events: I spent the 1^st watch trying to assist the lead tankerman modify or replace a chain on one of the line wenches. It was a trail of frustration as he didn’t have a strong working knowledge on how chains are assembled. Eventually we called the job and re-tasked to applying primer to the areas of the deck where we had sealed after chipping up the sulfur. Early in the 2^nd watch I was tasked by the mate to detail the upper head used by the captain, mate, and chief, specifically to remove some stains from the lower wall sections. The chief tasked me to keep an ear out for any engine room alarms while he went to assist the lead tankerman with the wench chain on the barge.

Things learned about vessel/barge: How to work on a wench chain

Classroom information application(s): NAVGEN Lights and Dayshapes

Supplemental Information: It seems my eyes are finally clear of the sulfur dust and damage which is a relief as I no longer have to stop randomly and cringe from my eyes felling like they were on fire and raw. We should be entering the lower part of the delta tomorrow morning sometime.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? Passing and Crossing in a Channel

28MAY2018

Location: City Dock Berth #2096 Tampa, FL and en route to St. James, LA;

Events: 1^st watch was fairly uneventful, though I did help the chief service a generator on the boat. We finally got underway during the 2^nd watch around 8pm and headed out to the Gulf.

Things learned about vessel/barge: More engine room familiarization.

Classroom information application(s): NAVGEN Lights and Day Shapes

Supplemental Information: I’m glad to finally be underway again and looking forward to the view and challenged of getting to our next destination. Heading up the river is a lot different than just crossing the Gulf, and with the weather the Midwest has been having, it might be flooded more than normal.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? Passing and Crossing in a Channel

27MAY2018

Location: City Dock Berth #2096 Tampa, FL;

Events: The replacement radiator arrived by barge during the 1^st watch around 8am and 3 shipyard hands came aboard to also assist us. We offloaded the broken radiator and an additional old one that was sitting on top of the pump how for who knows how long. After some serious heaving and hoeing we got the radiator in place, the fan cowl and guards fitted in, and the hoses attached. It was no small feat getting it all in place and assembled, but it was better then sitting around doing nothing all day. The 2^nd watch was back to down-time, and generally killing my phone battery to pass the time.

Things learned about vessel/barge: How to install a diesel radiator and tool locations.

Classroom information application(s): Engineering Familiarization.

Supplemental Information: Too many chiefs in the teepee made the installation process longer and more arduous then it should have been, not that it was a simple task to begin with. I’ll be honest, I enjoy the engineering work more then the deck work and I may ask to be assigned to the Chief during my next hitch to train in the engine room more. Lastly, we should be getting underway for St. James, LA tomorrow afternoon which sounds interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing the delta and the river from this side, I’ve only ever crossed it on I-10 East going through LA and once way up near Little Rock, AK.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed.

26MAY2018

Location: City Dock Berth #2096 Tampa, FL;

Events: Both watches were uneventful, did some tidying up around the boat but otherwise we were left to our own devices. We did a man overboard drill today at the midday shift change.

Things learned about vessel/barge: Nothing new.

Classroom information application(s): Nothing specific.

Supplemental Information: Waiting for Subtropical Storm Alberto to pass is not the most exciting thing in the world, it’s also the beginning of the rainy season down here in Florida so we can’t get much deck work done due to the irregular showers that keep cropping up. It’s nice to have cellular and internet access, but its only available when outside the boat so it’s not really that great (though it is amusing to see both watch crews on the fantail at shift change walking around and talking on their phones trying to find the best signal). I can’t wait for tomorrow to get here so we can put that new radiator in. It honestly sounds like an interesting project and anything is more exciting than just dicking around passing the time with busy work. I did end up creating a blog for this log after all, a little something for the folks back home to feel connected to my daily life with. I’ll post its link at the top of the document.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed.

25MAY2018

Location: Gulf Sulfur Terminal and City Dock Berth #2096 Tampa, FL;

Events: We finished the discharge process about halfway through the 1^st watch and used the crane to adjust the gangway due to draft change. Our next port-of-call is up the Mississippi River, but due the advent of Tropical Storm Alberto and its projected path, the captain deemed it safest to stay in Tampa for the time being, thus during the backwatch we moved to a different berth. The backwatch and the assistant engineer removed the ruined radiator and its shrouding, its replacement should arrive on Sunday the 27^th, so our only tasking during the 2^nd watch was re-cleaning the barge pump room after the remaining coolant in the radiator was emptied onto the pump room deck.

Things learned about vessel/barge: Engine Room Familiarization

Classroom information application(s): BRM teamworking and error trapping

Supplemental Information: Even though we passed the ABS inspection, it’s clear this barge is in rough shape and worked hard. I got into a shouting match with one of the Tankermen during the crane and gangway evolution. Over the last week and a half, I have been assigned tasking as the rigger when the crane was being operated and the tankerman running the crane consistently chose to ignore my directions and operate the crane as he saw fit. I finally had enough of his disregard and told him so. The lead tankerman agreed that the crane operator shouldn’t be making those operational decisions, but that tankerman is also known for not taking direction and ignoring others, instead choosing to do his own thing. I could have handled it better, I let my frustration get the better of me and should have instead addressed my concerns more rationally.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed

24MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola, FL and pulling into Tampa, FL;

Events: During the 1^st watch I assisted the lead tankerman in servicing the barge’s starboard generator engine, draining the oil, replacing the fuel, oil, and air filters, and finally refilling the oil. After that we applied some sealant to the deck areas where we chipped sulfur past the paint to prevent it from rusting up, in a day or two we will put paint down on it. Lastly, I assisted the chief in replacing that bulkhead hatch plate we took off the other day. During the 2^nd watch we finished transiting into Tampa Bay and tying up at different Gulf Sulfur Terminal then usual to begin the discharge of sulfur. Plans were waylaid when the radiator on the barge’s port generator engine blew and dumped all its coolant, reducing us to only one pump to discharge with. We hooked up to the terminal and begin the discharge process and later I cleaned up the leaked coolant, though more was still dribbling out of the bottom of the ruined radiator.

Things learned about vessel/barge: How the barge generator engines are to be serviced, which filters to use where, etc.

Classroom information application(s): Engineering Familiarization

Supplemental Information: It’s good to be pulling into Tampa, but there’s some bad weather coming in behind us that may make docking and discharging less then enjoyable. We head Upriver after this, to a place called St. James, LA, which I’m pretty excited about honestly.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? Sailing Vessel Crossing a Channel after being in an Overtaking situation

23MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico south of Mobile, AL en route to Tampa, FL;

Events: The 1^st watch was spent doing some final detail work chipping and pressure washing the finer areas of the tank area.

Things learned about vessel/barge: Nothing special.

Classroom information application(s): DECKGEN safety.

Supplemental Information: I’ve been on the boat a week now, doesn’t really feel like it though, I think the 6/6 schedule breaks up the time and makes it seem to pass faster. I have 3 weeks left on this hitch, I enjoy working with this crew for the most part, and the size of the boat, but I’m no longer certain I want to pursue a career of prolonged time at sea.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed.

22MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico south of New Orleans, LA en route to Tampa, FL;

Events: The entire 1^st watch was spent chipping, scooping and dumping sulfur overboard, the 3 of us got about half of it up and out. The 2 tankermen in the back watch got the main containment area cleared and the body of the tank hatch cleaned off. During my 2^nd watch we broke up and discarded the remaining sulfur on the deck, completing about 95% of the work. Lastly, I assisted the Chief in taking off the high up, bulkhead-mounted port potable water tank hatch so we could assess how much water was still in there.

Things learned about vessel/barge: The potable water tank hatches are mounted up high for obvious reasons, but it makes them difficult to access.

Classroom information application(s): Dumping 5-gallon buckets of sulfur dust and rock over the edge of the barge had Man Overboard procedures at the forefront of my mind.

Supplemental Information: Today was hard work, but it honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, the worst part being the sulfur dust getting in my eyes and sinuses which burned pretty bad and isn’t easily dealt with. I was a bit surprised at how fast we got it all knocked out, I fully anticipated it taking the entire 3-day trip back to Tampa to complete. 

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed.

21MAY2018

Location: Flint Hills Terminal Corpus Christi, TX and en route to Tampa, FL;

Events: Early in the 1^st watch we encountered a problem when the #2 Port sulfur tank burped product out of the hatch and into the containment area. We lucked out that none spilled off the deck and into the water, even though it’s only sulfur. The storm the night before helped keep the deck cool and quickening the hardening process of the product. Several members from the facility came aboard to conclude the transfer and inspect the spill. Once the transfer was complete, I assisted the tankermen in disconnecting the lines and closings all the hatches for the product and voids opened for the inspection. We then cast off lines and got underway back to Tampa. In a surprise turn, the terminal determined the spill was their fault, with the burp induced by their trying to clear the clog in the line earlier in the transfer which took a tremendous amount of pressure off the tankerman who was on watch at the time. The 2^nd watch was uneventful, consisting of some boat tidying up work.

Things learned about vessel/barge: While the barge is light we transit to and from the boat via pigeon-holes on the bow, but when she’s loaded down the preferred, and safest method to cross back and forth is a over the gunnel on the starboard side.

Classroom information application(s): Transfer procedures, DeckGen line handling.

Supplemental Information: Today was pretty intense to start with, tensions were high with the spill, but it was a good day overall all things considered. Tomorrow we start early on chipping up the sulfur and disposing of it overboard. None of us are excited about this, but at least it’ll pass the 3 day trip back to Tampa.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? NavGen crossing and meeting in a channel.

20MAY2018

Location: Flint Hills Terminal, Corpus Christi, TX;

Events: The 1st watch began with weighing anchor with the tankermen and cruising into Corpus Christi, TX. I stayed up into the next watch to assist the backwatch tankermen in initiating the transfer of molten sulfur and the ABS inspection as needed. I helped hook up the connections and set the valves, but there was an issue with the terminal having a clog and were unable to send the product until nearly 08:30pm. During this time I was conscripted to follow the ABS Marine Chemist as he crawled into and out of various void tanks. We passed the inspection and are clear to continue running instead of going to dry dock. During the 2^nd watch the transfer process began and the tankermen and I spent the shift monitoring the process and did a little climbing to replace the loading lightbulb as well as some housecleaning in the wheelhouses.

Things learned about vessel/barge: The wing tank voids on the barge go well into the barge through small chutes at the bottom of the tanks.

Classroom information application(s): Confined space entry and void watch, loading procedures, DeckGen anchor equipment and procedures, NavGen lights and day shapes.

Supplemental Information: This was a long day, I was foolish and stayed up too late enjoying having access to cellular signal, so I was more tired then usual for the 1^st watch. The delay on starting the transfer and babysitting the chemist were aggravating, but it was worth it to get my time in on attaching the hoses and setting the valves regardless. I was seriously concerned I was going to have to perform CPR on the guy after he came out of each hold he was so flushed and overheated.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? NavGen crossing and meeting in a channel.

19MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico south of Galveston, TX en route to/arriving at Corpus Christi, TX;

Events: The 1st watch began with assisting the chief engineer by going below the deck plating in the engine room and removing a void space cover. The rest was spent helping the tankermen pull two wire lines off wenches, beating rust off those winches, priming them and attaching new wire lines. With the captain’s permission, we bound the old wire lines and tossed them overboard into the Gulf. During the 2^nd watch I assisted the chief engineer in dewatering a void space on the boat then the tankermen and I set the anchor when we arrived at Corpus Christi.

Things learned about vessel/barge: This boat spends very little time inland or at the docks, typically only 7-10 hours, 90% of the time she is underway transiting to or from Tampa, FL.

Classroom information application(s): DeckGen line handling, confined space entry.

Supplemental Information: East of the Mississippi river the seas were very calm and smooth, West of it though the swells have been far greater making for a rolling ride the 2^nd half of this trip. Wire cable is no joke, and fitting them on the wenches was hot, hard work, but it passed the watch swiftly and I had a feeling of accomplishment afterwards.

      Rules of the Road Scenarios? Anchor lighting and day shapes.

18MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico due south of Mobile, AL en route to Corpus Christi, TX;

Events: The 1st watch was finishing acid washing the back section of the Barge, stowing the pressure washing equipment via the crane to the upper area of the pump room housing, and assisting the lead tankerman in repairing a damaged exhaust vent cowl. The 2^nd watch began with the lead tankerman and I discharging fuel from the barge to the boat (apx. 18,000 gal) for about 3 ½ hours and finished with an assessment of some new LED lights and how to properly install them.

Things learned about vessel/barge: We have an upcoming ABS inspection in Corpus Christi, TX. Of the 3 sulfur barges in the company, this is the only one currently operating and the ABS inspection is to grant a 6-month extension to the current inspection instead of going to dry dock.

Classroom information application(s): Ballasting weight distribution, fuel volumes

Supplemental Information: Today has been a fairly easy day, light work interspersed with downtime. Got to know the lead tankerman more during the 2^nd watch, he’s from Ghana originally and immigrated to Massachusetts in 2002. He’s been working for Martin for 11 years and on this boat for 2 years.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? During the 2^nd watch, while heading on a WNW course there appeared to be a rig on the horizon off the port quarter. It quickly became apparent that it was actually a cruise ship making speed inbound for Galveston. While monitoring the fuel transfer I observed the captain on the chart table plotting tracklines and CPAs. It was clearing the cruise ship was going to pass behind us, and at her closest point she was well over a mile away.

17MAY2018

Location: Gulf of Mexico apx. 40 miles out from Tampa, FL en route to Corpus Christi, TX;

Events: Was given rest of the Vessel Familiarization by the 2^nd mate and tasked to assist the tankermen with acid washing the barge for the 1^st half of my shift. In preparing for the acid wash the Chief Engineer assisted the tankermen and I in addressing several issues with the power washer including bypassing the fuel filter, manually connecting the high oil pressure alarm, and using the quick charge unit to start the engine due to a low battery. The 2^nd shift I did some sweeping, moping and wood polishing in the wheelhouses. I also assisted the lead Tankerman in cleaning and preparing the Barge engine room for annual ABS inspection to be conducted in Corpus Christi, TX.

Things learned about vessel/barge: Location of important documents are in lower wheelhouse; vessel has more fire extinguishers then required; Vessel primarily runs from Tampa to Pascagoula, MS, Baytown, TX, or Corpus Christi, TX. Learned where many different tools and work supplies are located.

Classroom information application(s): OSHA/STCW Requirements for wearing a life vest going to and from Barge and Hardhat requirements for crane operations.

Supplemental Information: this is my 1^st real day working a 6 & 6 schedule, its not as bad as I thought really, but it doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for non-sleeping downtime. I believe I’m getting along well with the crew and beginning to learn the nuances of life of this boat. I got to sit up on the bow of the barge and enjoy the clear skies and stars for the 1^st time, it was a very soothing experience.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? None Observed.

16MAY2018

Location: Gulf Sulfur Terminal; Tampa, FL

Events: Got up at 0330am CST for a 0505am flight and finally arrived at M/V Martin Explorer at approximately 1pm EST; Assigned schedule & quarters; Given Engine Room Familiarization tour by Assistant Engineer and Barge Familiarization by a Tankerman; Vessel was discharging sulfur to terminal upon arrival (began discharge approximately around 1130am EST) and completed discharging operations at approximately 0930pm; Vessel got U/W en route around 1030pm headed to Corpus Christi, TX to load sulfur, reportedly will take 3 days to travel.

Things learned about vessel/barge: Engine Room layout and fire extinguisher locations and fixed CO2 system in Engine Room; Location of emergency shutoffs and alarms; Vessel is fueled from Barge and Barge primarily carries Sulfur, Barge is named Margaret Sue.

Classroom information application(s): STCW applications to this vessel relevant to safety and drills, deck lightning procedures as related to NavGen rules

Supplemental Information: This boat is a lot bigger then the M/V Pic I was on last year, definitely feels less cramped. The crew are hospitable, though like last year the majority of them are far more venerable then myself.

Rules of the Road Scenarios? We did pass an inbound tug & barge while transiting the channel to sea, we passed them port to port as per common practice.