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With temperatures below freezing, it’s sure nice to not have any cargo to work for te next few days. We are waiting in Charleston, SC atleast until the 16 to load if not later.
00-08 port watches make for the perfect time to finish up any chart work, voyage planning or log entries when nobody is awake except you. Can’t wait to get into town.
Fate revolves around every detail in life at a constant pace that is neither created nor destroyed by us. This past Tuesday while working on my ship in Charleston, fate ran into me that had no foreshadowing. I fell off the edge of a cargo hatch 30ft down onto a steel deck. Read the rest of this entry »
Up from 00-06 standing watch with not much going on. Busted out the camera for a short session.
We went for an afternoon cruise in the rescue boat.
With reflagging a vessel comes endless drills, certificate checks, testing equipment and anything else you can imagine. The latest entry into the American Fleet…Ocean Charger.
Finished my last night of freedom with the fam eating Mexican food and ritas.
Saturday morning caught the new shape and told the Philipino crew goodbye as we took it over. Their bags sitting on the dock.
Setting sail Saturday. Had to jump back to work early in order to get off in time for the November wedding, its kind of a big deal. Catching the ship in Houston for reflagging stuff, then to Charleston for cargo load and then the long journey to Mumbai, India. Yep another 30something day transit. Perhaps through the Suez canal, perhaps around South Africa, either way we’re going through Pirate waters. Its a long trip thats all I know.
When Somalis chase after your 15knot ship at 30knots shooting AKs and RPG’s, its reassuring to know your company paid a few extra dollars for some beefy security. Merchant ships are completely defenseless on the open oceans, unable to carry weapons so without the security team we are left with fire hoses against bullets and projectiles. I got to play badASS for a few minutes.
This should be the final goodbye. My last taste of America even if it’s only the salt spray and glaring waters of Miami.
After a paid vacation, 10 days in Port Houston getting to go home, the fun must end and I have to detach from civilization again. With a full load of cargo were bound for Saudi Arabia. This means transiting through pirate infested waters, but it will be good. A 12 man Navy boarding team will be joining us on this trip with 3 50cal machine guns and many personal weapons just in case those pirates decide to take a closer look. Should be an interesting site to see on their face. By the time we get there Ill be due for vacation and flying home. Until late May, this is me signing off.
