Diary of a PMI/Workboat Academy Cadet

[Ordinaryseaman]

Howdy All- Happy Easter!

Today we awoke to find colored, hard boiled Easter eggs all over the tug- courtesy of our port captain Dan.

We quickly donned proper PPE, retreived our 3 man slingshot, and took up positions... both the engineer and I grabbing one side....

Captain Jason Loaded the eggs- which we quickly launched at the "Millenium Falcon" moored 200 feet off our Starboard beam! :-) We expect them to "retaliate" tonight...

I'm starting to get into the groove here- learning the routine, getting used to the schedule, performing my assessments- etc. I think I'm doing well- except for tossing mooring lines- I'm pretty rusty in that regard.. more practice should correct that though....

I have a new captain who's been very helpful with completing assessments- and already have a bunch done- should be ahead of schedule when I return to PMI.

We've had a lot of safety training here- which has been informative and fun. Harley/Starlight definitely seem to priorotize safety- which definitely is a plus in my eyes. Some highlight include-

* I conducted a "Tug Inspection" which covered every safety related item on the ship- from the engine room to survival suit inspections to testing our fire registers, It was a little tough as some of the tasks were new to me- but I now have a much greater awareness of the vessels's systems- particularly in the engine and drive rooms.

* We were introduced to the "bowtie" system- which is kind of like a simplified job safety analysis. It helps you to identify potential workplace hazards- and develop a plan for mitigating risk factors. In addition- it helps you have a contingency plan in place if something does go wrong.

* We had a vessel internal quality audit- which went pretty well.

* My favorite part of the week?

Drill Day! We donned gumby suits, jumped into the estuary, and deployed a liferaft(expired). After climbing in and taking note of our provisions (and eating some survival cookies) we were given a real world lesson in the importance of the annual liferaft inspection. Our raft was expired- and only retained as a training aid. Shortly after entry- it started releasing air through a stuck valve- and we had to "abandon ship" We were helped back aboard the tug via a rescue sling.

Next we practiced with flares, smoke and..line launchers! We had two kinds. One resembles a single shot shotgun with a spool of line mounted forward. It uses a .45/70 shell to propel the line and barrel weight. We also had a rocket launched unit- which was COOL! We ALMOST made a shot all the way from Alameda to Oakland! :-)

This week we also welcomed two barges- the "Olympic Spirit" and "65 Roses" as well as the tug "CF Campbell" to our Alameda facility.

I'm still really happy to be here- and looking forward to the rest of my schooling. :-)

Gotta run- our next job starts at 3 am.

Smooth sailing-Anthony

[Ordinaryseaman]

Howdy everyone! It's hard to believe I've already been a cadet for Harley/Starlight for three weeks- everything is going so smoothly!

I have several training and assessment books from PMI- and am well ahead of schedule for completing my tasks. I have yet to begin working on my T.O.A.R. however...

So... what's it like working on a ship assist tug? One of my captains described it as " hours of monotony interspersee with woments of sheer terror" I think that's a pretty accurate representation. Most of the day is pretty mellow- a little cleaning, a little painting, and a little helm time. That all changes when you're standing on deck of a tug running astern- only a few feet in front of a cargo ship measuring in excess of 1000 feet in length!

It's a good balance- just enogh excitement to remind you that you need to be careful- or as Mountainskier told me "keep your head on a swivel".

One of the the things I enjoy the most about being here is the dynamic nature of our work. It's unpredictable. I'm used to having a fairly set schedule aboard ships- and that never happens here. It's a lot like being a fireman... one minute you're sleeping- the next you hear the phone ring (or the engines start) and you jump up, get dressed, and sping into action. It's not always easy- but never boring.

Another great thing is that everyone here seems to like being here. I've yet to hear a complaint. That may be partially due to schedule- most people here work 1 week on- 1 off, or two weeks on- and two off. Everyone likes their schedule- they are never here long enough to get burnt out...

Our dock is right across the water from Oakland in Alameda California. it's a good location- nice views of san Francisco and Oakland- and right next to the container terminal- but also walking distance to a marina, restaurants, a park, and a gym. Starlight also has an employee gym on site.

I like it here a lot. It's a lot like a family- everyone knows everyone. Hopefully they will have an opening once I graduate.

Time to go- we have to go meet the MV Mahi Mahi and help her into port- smooth sailing-Anthony.

[CaptAndrew]

Its good hearing about what you're doing and in particular where you are. I was in Oakland a couple of months ago and recognize exactly where you are. I was on a tall ship at Jack London Square, right next to the Matson Ships.

I love it when a good guy gets a break and that is exactly what happened to you. Maybe I'll catch you in Seattle soon.

[Steamer]

Whatever became of Ordinaryseaman?

[Jon]

I hope he's alright... I miss reading of his adventures at PMI.

[Ordinaryseaman]

Howdy! Nope- my boat didn't sink- just been busy- and without an internet connection! Doing great- have another month before going back to school. Will post properly tomorrow:-)

[Ordinaryseaman]

Thanks! Which tall ship? Had one anchored in the bay a few days ago ...

Its good hearing about what you're doing and in particular where you are. I was in Oakland a couple of months ago and recognize exactly where you are. I was on a tall ship at Jack London Square, right next to the Matson Ships.

I love it when a good guy gets a break and that is exactly what happened to you. Maybe I'll catch you in Seattle soon.

[Ordinaryseaman]

I feel bad.

Why? IHaven't posted in a while. I've been largely without internret- but I feel bad nonetheless... especially since I have a laptop. I've pulled it out several times only to realize I can't get online!

As of today I have about a month before heading back to PMI for my second classroom phase. It feels like I've been here a year-but in a good way

I'm excited to go back to school- but will miss it here. Next up At PMI is terrestrial navigation- how to navigate using charts, visual references, ranges,etc. PMI gave us a study guide (on a thumb drive) which I've been studying.

I've been busy here too. Several captains don't let me drive much- but others do. I've made numerous trips and from from Alameda to Pittsburg, Martinez, Redwood City, and other locales along the bay. A few captains actually prefer to have me drive- which is great. This, to me, has been the best part so far- getting comfortable at the helm. Now I just need to get comfortable docking, assisting ships, maneuvering offshore...

After an early morning job, I spent most of the day aboard the Millenium Star- in the shipyard adjacent our dock.

I got pretty DIRTY

Some might complain about spending the day cleaning an engine room- but I saw it as a PLUS.

Several reasons-

* I gained familiarity with a new boat.

* The engineer taught me a lot about the interaction of the piping and valves as well as the electrical components of the engine.

My host company is bouncing me around a lot- so I learn different boats, routines, and crews- and shipyard is the newest part of this..

What's coming up? I've been asked to go on an offshore tow! Not sure when- but I'm happy- haven't left the bay yet. I'm excited to do something new- and to learn aspects of tugs largely ignored in ship assist.

Time for bed- gotta gert up soon.

Smooth sailig-Anthony

[Capt Leigh]

Welcome back Anthony !
We have all missed your reports

[Ordinaryseaman]

They call him "Beano"...

Now, that's not his REAL name- merely a clever abbreviation of his last name. EVERYONE here calls him Beano... I'm told his girlfriend even refers to him by the moniker. I doubt he he appreciates the humor- but WE sure do!.

Beano is a CMA graduate with whom I work. He's a mate- in Starlight Marine's advancement program- and will soon be a captain.
He's is in his mid twenties (younger than I) and an excellent example of what you can become if you get into the industry early- and apply yourself.

We have several twenty-somethingcaptains from CMA here- both Beano's age- and both making over $100k a year.

We also have another CMA grad (also in her 20's) whom will probably be a captain within a few years.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I regret not getting into school sooner.

Yes- you can work your way up from the bottom.

But it's tough- and getting harder. Especially to get your foot in the door- but also to progress up the ladder...

I work with a guy named Jake- an engineer/deckhand here. He's a good guy -other than his habit of constantly taping plastic food wrap outside my stateroom (nope-hasn't caught me yet!) Jake has worked on tugs and yachts for years- and is a way better deckhand than myself. He takes pride in the fact that he's never gone to an academy- and he never plans to.

I respect his desire to do things on his own- but feel bad for him. He wants to be captain here- and has the skill and knowledge necessary. Despite this- and his extensive seatime- he will have to wait another year or two before pursuing his goal. Why? Because the Coast Guard wants him to progress through "Apprentice Mate/Steersman" first.

I see something of my own struggles within Jake's predicament.. I've worked on boats/ships since 2006- and I'm still an OS- though not for long I wish I'd known about PMI- or CMA, or other schools back when I was 17 or 18. I would be a captain by now.

Not that washing thousands of pots and pans in galleys all over the hemisphere wasn't appealing

If you're reading this and considering a maritime career- remember two things..

*1- 4 years of school seems like a long time. But remember- the time will pass either way. The only question is whether you'll be a mate/captain in 4 years- or a deckhand...

and..

2- And this is IMPORTANT-

If you're going to put cellophane on a cadet's door- don't let him find out! That same sheet of plastic just may find it's way to your door- and your groggy face as you exit at 2 am!

Smooth sailing everyone-Anthony

[skycowboy]

Anthony, Take the cellophane and put it across his toilet bowl beneath the seat. Then you will be thinking like a Captain.

[Ordinaryseaman]

Hah! One of my captains just tried that- and on the urinal too. He's batting 0 for 4- hasn't caught me yet..

Now I just need to figure out a good retaliatory prank!

[Jemplayer]

Vaseline on a door handle, preferable one for a bathroom.

Now go find me the black and yellow stripped paint, if we're out go ask the boat next door for some.

[Capt. Fran]

Hah! One of my captains just tried that- and on the urinal too. He's batting 0 for 4- hasn't caught me yet..

Now I just need to figure out a good retaliatory prank!

Got any of those little ketchup packets onboard? Fold them (gently) in half and tape two of them to the underside of the toilet seat. Pranking a chick with this stunt is a hellavu lot easier than a guy, but if you can get the timing right, one of my favorites.

I've also been known to open the hvac vent in the pilothouse, tape a uhf in there and then in the middle of the night, make devil is getting you sounds on it from another uhf, all the while safely ensconced in my rack. The shorter and quieter the sounds you make are, the better this prank turns out.

[Tugted]

We have several twenty-somethingcaptains from CMA here- both Beano's age- and both making over $100k a year.

We also have another CMA grad (also in her 20's) whom will probably be a captain within a few years.

I hope you realize that the college kids are stealing the hawsepiper's jobs??? The days of starting on deck & working your way up will be gone if the USCG has something to do with it. Those college kids are needing jobs & ship jobs aren't there for them.

[RkyMtn Paul]

Tugted, It was my experience that those college kids didn't last long, especially when they get in a serious relationship, or worse, get married. Good shore jobs await them with their college degrees and "sea time".
Anthony, marbles in the overhead are good.

[seadawg]

Anthony, marbles in the overhead are good.

**easier yet..a shorten pencil in an empty locker or drawer..most won't become aware until after their in the bunk and should have a hell of a time finding it as it rolls around intermittently!!

BAD DAWG!!BAD DAWG!!

[Steamer]

I hope you realize that the college kids are stealing the hawsepiper's jobs???

I hope the multiple question marks mean you don't understand how someone could make such a ludicrous statement rather than just bad punctuation. If you think going through a 4 year maritime academy program is "stealing" someone else's job, there is a lot you don't understand about the job.

[Tugted]

I hope the multiple question marks mean you don't understand how someone could make such a ludicrous statement rather than just bad punctuation. If you think going through a 4 year maritime academy program is "stealing" someone else's job, there is a lot you don't understand about the job.

I've been on tugs for 15years & came up the hard way. I've had the academy kids try to tell me they didn't need to work deck cause they would be in my seat & i would be gone. There are some who want to learn but the schools need to tell these kids you need to work deck some before you get a wheelhouse job. If you have the ability to run a tugboat thats great but how can a kid who never worked deck tell them the deckhand they are doing something wrong??

[CMA_Decky]

**easier yet..a shorten pencil in an empty locker or drawer..most won't become aware until after their in the bunk and should have a hell of a time finding it as it rolls around intermittently!!

BAD DAWG!!BAD DAWG!!

Google Annoy-a-tron . I think thinkgeek.com sells them? It'll cost you a couple bucks but it's undetectable. It's a little computer chip that lets out a beep at random intervals between 2-6 minutes. Small enough you can fit it anywhere, I took the face plate off my roommate's doorknob and slid it in.